shailender – Texas Weekly Online

Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice

Published On 27 May 202627 May 2026 Muslims around the world have begun celebrating Eid al-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice”, which falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Muslim lunar calendar. One of the biggest holidays in the Muslim calendar, it coincides with the last day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. In Gaza, where Israel’s months-long offensive has devastated neighbourhoods and displaced most of the population, many families are marking Eid in tents and crowded shelters, with little meat or festive clothing. More than 1.7 million people are taking part in the Hajj this year, slightly up from 2025, even as a war pitting the United States and Israel against Iran casts a long shadow across the Middle East. On Tuesday, pilgrims prayed on Mount Arafat, where Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his final sermon. They then spent the night out in the open at Muzdalifah, halfway between Arafat and Mina, where they collected pebbles for the symbolic stoning of the devil. After the stoning ceremony in Mina, pilgrims return to Mecca for a final circumambulation of the Kaaba, the cube-shaped building at the heart of the Grand Mosque towards which Muslims around the world face when they pray. Eid al-Adha commemorates the Quranic story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God. Islamic tradition holds that God spared the boy, replacing him with a ram. The day is marked with the sacrifice of an animal – usually a sheep, goat or cow – and the distribution of its meat among family, neighbours and those in need, underlining the festival’s themes of faith, charity and community. Advertisement Adblock test (Why?)

Mogadishu gathers for Eid with prayers, family meals and outings

Published On 27 May 202627 May 2026 Mogadishu, Somalia- Muslims around the world celebrated Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, which marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage period. It is the second major holiday in the Islamic calendar after Eid al-Fitr, which follows the holy month of Ramadan. In Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, families and communities gathered across the city on Wednesday to celebrate the occasion. The holiday is typically marked by communal prayers in the morning, family visits, festive meals and outings for children. Popular locations for the city’s residents include Lido Beach, the Darus Salam Zoo, and Maka al-Mukarama Road, the central business district. More broadly, Mogadishu has been tentatively emerging from the waves of violence that have rocked the city over recent decades. Since 2006, the government has been battling al-Shabab, a local affiliate of al-Qaeda, for control of the country – a conflict that has made Mogadishu one of the world’s most dangerous capitals. But improving security has led to a surge of investment in the city, alongside the emergence of new cafes, restaurants and other recreational spaces. At an Eid speech at the Islamic Solidarity Mosque, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said, “We see the change that has happened in Mogadishu’s security,” and called on the public to protect the city’s peace. Ali Jimale Mosque, the country’s largest, usually draws the biggest crowds and serves as a gathering place for the city’s residents. Central to Eid al-Adha is the ritual sacrifice of livestock, commemorating the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son before God provided a ram in his place. Advertisement The meat is traditionally shared among relatives, neighbours and people in need, reflecting the festival’s emphasis on charity, community and devotion. Costs for livestock have soared in recent months in Somalia due to failed rains and drought, with a United Nations hunger monitor warning of famine risk in parts of the country. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has said 6.5 million people in Somalia are facing “high levels of acute food insecurity”, a crisis worsened by the country’s ongoing armed fighting and a political standoff that has persisted since the president’s term expired on May 15. Adblock test (Why?)

Family mourn ‘Hamas leader’ killed in Israeli attack

NewsFeed A funeral has been held for Mohammed Odeh, believed to be the leader of Hamas’s military wing, who Israel said was killed in a strike on a busy area in Gaza City on Tuesday. Odeh’s family has reportedly confirmed his death, despite no official comment from Hamas. Published On 27 May 202627 May 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)

CPI(M) workers attack ED vehicle during Kerala raids connected to Vijayan case

Enforcement Directorate raids linked to former Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and his daughter triggered massive protests across the state.

Air India cuts 22% domestic flight services amid rising fuel prices, West Asia crisis

Air India announced on Wednesday that it rationalised operations on specific domestic routes between June and August 2026. The move comes amid rising fuel prices that have caused the loss-making carrier to reduce 22 per cent of its domestic flights.

IMD issues severe heatwave warning for Delhi-NCR, forecast weather change from May 20 with rain and thunderstorms

IMD) has issued a two-day severe heatwave warning for Delhi-NCR. However, it has forecasted rain and thunderstorms in the upcoming days which would provide some relief from rising temperatures to the residents of the region.

India approves first Hydrogen-powered train; Check route, safety, features here

In a major step towards green and sustainable transportation, Indian Railways has approved the introduction of a 10-car Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based trainset on the dedicated Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway, according to a statement issued by the Railway Ministry.

Author: shailender