Religion News – Newsletter for November 17, 2010

Praying in Jama Masjid and feasting on mutton – it’s Eid!

NEW DELHI – The area around Jama Masjid in Delhi’s old quarter was a sight to behold Wednesday as men of all ages, dressed in crisp white pathani suits and matching skull caps, visited the 17th century mosque to offer prayers on Eid-ul-Azha and hugged each other, saying “Eid Mubarak”!

Muslims around the capital celebrated …. Source article  : Praying in Jama Masjid and feasting on mutton – it’s Eid!.

In Hyderabad, faithful throng Mir Alam Eidgah, Mecca Masjid

HYDERABAD – Over 200,000 people offered prayers at the historic Mir Alam Eidgah, making for the biggest Eid-ul-Azha congregation in Hyderabad. They were among millions of Muslims who celebrated the festival in Andhra Pradesh Wednesday.

The day began with Muslims, attired in their best, offering prayers at hundreds of mosques and Eidgahs or open grounds. … Original source on Gaea Times at : In Hyderabad, faithful throng Mir Alam Eidgah, Mecca Masjid.

Praying, feeding poor, Lucknow Muslims mark Eid-ul-Azha

LUCKNOW – Thousands of Muslims converged at mosques and prayer grounds here to offer Eid-ul-Azha prayers Wednesday morning. And then it was time for merrymaking and feeding the poor.

The biggest crowds were seen at the Aishbagh Eidgah, the biggest prayer ground in this Uttar Pradesh capital, and the Aasifi Masjid – both in the …. Source  : Praying, feeding poor, Lucknow Muslims mark Eid-ul-Azha.

Thousands offer Eid prayers amid sporadic violence in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – Thousands of Muslims offered Eid-ul-Azha prayers across the Kashmir Valley Wednesday even as youth at some places clashed with the security forces, pelting stones and raising pro-freedom slogans.

Some prominent separatist leaders, including hardliners Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Shabir Ahmad Shah, were placed under house arrest by the authorities to …. Read the original article  : here.

Be it Mammootty or common Muslims, Eid-ul-Azha touches all

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Malayalam superstar Mammootty wasn’t the only one who took a break from work on Eid-ul-Azha. Thousands of ordinary Muslim men and women in Kerala celebrated the festival of sacrifice with prayers and feasting Wednesday.

The biggest crowds, all dressed in their best, were seen in Muslim dominated Malappuram district besides Kozhikode, Kochi and … Read more >>>.

Celebrating Eid-ul-Azha with prayers – and a 180 kg goat!

MUMBAI – Millions of Muslims in Mumbai and others parts of Maharashtra celebrated Eid-ul-Azha with joy and religious fervour Wednesday. As people hunted for the best sacrificial goats, one that grabbed instant attention was a four-feet tall giant, weighing 180 kg!

The huge goat, which weighed nearly four times a normal goat, drew crowds at … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Celebrating Eid-ul-Azha with prayers – and a 180 kg goat!.

Muslims defer goat sacrifice to respect Hindu sentiments

PANDHARPUR – In a gesture of brotherhood with fellow Hindus, Muslims here deferred the traditional goat sacrifice on Eid-ul-Azha as the Hindu festival of Kartiki Ekadashi also fell Wednesday.

The Muslims of Pandharpur in Solapur district postponed the goat sacrifice till Friday at the behest of their community elders.
Nearly half a million …. Source article  : Muslims defer goat sacrifice to respect Hindu sentiments.

Sacrifice essence of life: Message of Eid-ul-Azha (Comment)

Even as the country celebrates Eid-ul-Azha, the festival of sacrifice, the significance of it is often not understood.

A sacrifice, usually taken to be the slaughtering of animals, is much more than that. A mother sacrifices her sleep for her children. A father sacrifices all his comfort for his son. The sacrifice of the animals … Read more >>>.

President, PM greet citizens on Eid

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh greeted the nation on the ocassion of Eid-ul-Azha which will be observed Wednesday, stating that it teaches the quality of humility and charity.

In her message, Patil hoped that the festival brings all the communities and religions of India together in a celebration of …. Source article  : President, PM greet citizens on Eid.

UAE charity distributes meat in 60 countries

Abu Dhabi, Nov 16 (IANS/WAM) A charity in the UAE has begun distributing sacrificial meat in 60 countries on the eve of the Eid-ul-Azha, it was announced Tuesday.

The Red Crescent Authority (RCA) in coordination with the UAE embassies abroad has launched the initiative to boost solidarity with friendly countries, especially those suffering from natural … Original source on Gaea Times at : UAE charity distributes meat in 60 countries.

Ranchi church selects first woman priest

RANCHI – Chonhen Minz, a 39-year old tribal, became the first woman to be selected as priest of North Western Gossener Evangelical Lutheran Church (NWGEL) of Ranchi, a church official said Tuesday.

“It is a great feeling to become a parish priest. This is the first time in eastern India that any woman has become … Original article on : Ranchi church selects first woman priest.

US envoy greets Muslims on Eid

NEW DELHI – The US ambassador to India Tuesday greeted Muslims on Eid, saying the festival stands for kindness, generosity and compassion.

“I extend my best wishes to Muslims in India and throughout the world on the celebration of Eid,” Timothy J. Roemer said in a statement.
“As President (Barack) Obama recently said during his …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Hajj Marks Million Pilgrims

MECCA(GaeaTimes.com)- Hajj is the annual pilgrimage of Muslims to Mecca which takes place from the 8th to 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of Muslim calender. Ed al Adha is one of the most auspicious religious events of Muslim Community during this time millions of Muslims flock in Mecca to ask for … Original article on : Hajj Marks Million Pilgrims.