June 16th 2024.
Muslims in the Chicago area gathered to celebrate Eid al-Adha, a major religious holiday that marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage and honors Abraham's test of sacrifice. Held at The Dome at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Des Plaines and organized by the Islamic Community Center of Illinois, the event drew thousands of people.
The service, which began with the call to prayer and opening remarks, featured guest speakers such as Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Rep. Delia Ramirez of Chicago. Both were presented with awards for their support of the Muslim community in Chicago. After the speeches, there was a prayer service and sermon.
Throughout the event, children and adults proudly waved small Palestinian flags, and the conversation inevitably turned to the ongoing war in Gaza. Ramirez, who was one of the original supporters of a ceasefire resolution in Congress presented to the Biden Administration in October 2023, expressed her continued support for a permanent resolution. She shared that as a child of immigrants, she stands in solidarity with the Chicago Muslim community.
Buthaina Hattab, a member of the community center, also spoke about the importance of honoring those affected by the war in Gaza. She acknowledged that many members of the congregation are of Palestinian descent and understand the struggle of dispossession and state violence. Hattab emphasized the need for justice and an end to discrimination faced by Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims in the United States.
This year's Eid al-Adha celebration holds special significance as it comes eight months after a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy was tragically killed in a hate crime related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing violence and conflict in the region.
During the service, leaders also encouraged worshippers to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming presidential election. Oussama Jammal, secretary general of the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations, expressed hope that the events in Gaza would bring about positive change and encouraged the Muslim community to use their voices and votes to impact the election.
In the end, the Eid al-Adha celebration was a testament to the strength and resilience of the Muslim community in the face of adversity. Despite the ongoing war and the challenges faced by Muslims in the United States, the spirit of sacrifice, love, and hope prevailed. And as the event came to a close, the message was clear: unity, peace, and justice for all.
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