Eid Prayers Held Across Dozens of Cities Including Houston, Dallas, and Austin
By: Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada
Texas: Eid al-Adha was celebrated with religious zeal and enthusiasm across all cities of the U.S. state of Texas. Spiritually uplifting Eid prayer gatherings were held in mosques and imambargahs in dozens of cities, including Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
In Houston, thousands of worshippers offered Eid prayers at Masjid Sabireen, Maryam Islamic Center, Al-Noor Mosque, Masjid Al-Taqwa, and Masjid Isha. In Dallas, large congregations were seen at Madinah Masjid, Makkah Masjid, Darul Iman Center Arlington, Zia-ul-Quran Center, Momin Center, and Dar-e-Hussain, among more than 70 other mosques.
Many mosques held multiple Eid prayer sessions to accommodate the large number of attendees. Scholars, in their sermons, reflected on the profound philosophy behind the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and Prophet Ismail (Ishmael), and emphasized the importance of unity among the Muslim Ummah. Special prayers were also offered for the oppressed people of Palestine and occupied Kashmir.
This year, all Islamic sects in the region celebrated Eid on the same day, which added to the festive spirit and unity of the community.
After the prayers, Muslims embraced one another, exchanged Eid greetings, and later proceeded to farms and slaughterhouses to fulfill the Sunnah of Qurbani (sacrifice) in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion. Many also visited cemeteries to recite Fatiha (prayers) at the graves of their loved ones.
