BUFFALO, N.Y. — Muslim community members from across Western New York gathered at Buffalo’s Front Park to celebrate Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice. It is one of the biggest holidays of the Islamic calendar.

Eid al-Adha commemorates the Quranic tale of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice Ismail as an act of obedience to God. Before he could carry out the sacrifice, God provided a ram as an offering. In the Christian and Jewish telling, Abraham is ordered to kill another son, Isaac.

What You Need To Know

  • Muslim community organizations of Western New York organized a community Eid at Front Park for the celebration of Eid al-Adha

  • Eid al-Adha commemorates the Quranic tale of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice Ismail as an act of obedience to God

  • Hundreds of Muslim community members attended the prayer and celebration services and key government officials were invited as guest speakers

The celebration also coincides with Haj, the fifth pillar of Islam.

“This event corresponds to the holy pilgrimage that every Muslim is required to do at least once a year in Saudi Arabia,” said Khalid Qazi, Muslim Public Affairs Council founding president and senior advisor.

Hundreds of community members gathered to worship and celebrate with one another in the largest turnout for the event in two years after the COVID-19 pandemic put a pause on large Eid celebrations.

Government officials like Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz celebrated with the community and offered words of appreciation.

“This year, we are hoping that we have opened up to the entire community,” Qazi said. “Come to the park, have a full day event for the children and the whole family.”

The celebration is a break from daily demands to focus on family and values of tradition.

“Most of the time, we’re all busy,” said Muhammad Maalim, who said he was excited to see friends and family at this year's Eid. “We’re running around. We’ve got work. We’ve got school, but this day is the day you meet old friends you haven’t seen throughout the year, you meet family members. I love that feeling.”

“Today for me is just a day for family to come together and spend time, enjoy each other after the completion of the pilgrimage of Haj at Mecca,” said April Arman of Lackawanna.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.