Ref: ACJU/NGS/2021/153

20^th July 2021

We will be celebrating Eid-ul-Adha, festival of Hajj will be on 21st July, InshaAllah. May Allah accept all goods deeds, performed on this day. Similar to last year, this year too, we are undergoing the Eid-ul-Adha festival season amongst the Covid-19 pandemic situation.

Let’s safeguard ourselves and our communities from this pandemic by honoring the guidance of the Ministry of Health, Waqf Board and ACJU, and celebrate the Eid-ul-Adha festival, with forbearance and moderation, similar to the manner in which the previous Eid was celebrated.

Eid-ul-Adha, this year is expected to be celebrated similar to the manner in which the two previous Eids were celebrated with tolerance and farsightedness, while honoring the stipulated guidelines.

As the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is strongly dominant, it is important that we uphold the responsibility of safeguarding our families, our communities and our nation from the risk of this transmitting disease, while we observe religious observances related to the Eid-ul-Adha festival.

1. As the effects of Covid-19 are still prevalent, all related guidelines provided by the Health Ministry and Waqf Board pertaining to the Eid prayers should be observed. On the morning of Eid, the Eid prayers should be conducted at the Masjids for a maximum of 100 persons (as stipulated by the authorities) at a time, by strictly adhering to the respective health guidelines.
2. Those who do not get the opportunity of performing Eid prayers at the Masjids, require to perform their prayers in congregation with the families at their residences. (Related guidelines has been provided in the below link)

https://acju.lk/en/news/acju-news/item/2219-guidance-regarding-the-eid-prayer-and-khutbah

3. The sick and children should avoid going to the places where Eid prayers are being conducted.
4. Performing ‘Musafaha’ (shaking of hands) and Mua’naka (embracing) should be avoided and greetings should be limited to pronouncing ‘Salaam’ only.
5. Extend possible assistance to the needy, especially on the day of Eid.
6. Unnecessary travels should be avoided during this pandemic situation.
7. While performing Uldhiyyah the related guidelines of ACJU (mentioned in the below link) should be observed.

https://acju.lk/en/news/acju-news/item/2215-uldhiyya-guidelines-2021-english

8. It is Sunnah to recite ‘Takbeer’ from time of Fajr of 9^th of Dhul Hijjah to the time of Asar of the third day of Ayyamuth Thashreek, 13^th of Dhul Hijjah (24.07.2021).

During these auspicious days, it is important to engage in Duas abundantly seeking relief from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, for all those who have been effected in our country and around the world.

We appreciate the patience and cooperation expressed by our community, and let us continue to be vigilant to safeguard our nation. The difficult phase that the community had to undergo over past couple of years is well empathized and we pray that the situation will further improve so that the regular religious and social activities can resume safely.    

Ash Shaikh M. Arkam Nooramith

General Secretary - ACJU