On Friday, President Sheikh Mohamed attended the Eid Al Adha prayers held at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by other prominent UAE leaders.
The sermon for the occasion focused on the significance of sincerity, exploring its meanings and manifestations, with the theme titled “Our Eid is Sincerity,” as reported by the national news agency Wam.
Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, the chancellor of Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities, delivered the sermon, emphasizing the importance of spiritual and national values during Eid. He highlighted the duty of individuals to serve their homeland, family, and community.
The President was accompanied by various dignitaries, including Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, the Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister; Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed; Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed; Sheikh Saif bin Zayed; Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed; and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, among others.
Other notable officials present included Sheikh Omar bin Zayed; Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed; Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Khalifa; Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed; Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed; Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad.
Following the sermon, Sheikh Mohamed and the other sheikhs recited Al Fatiha in memory of UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
In a message shared on social media, Sheikh Mohamed expressed his wishes for a blessed Eid Al Adha to the rulers, citizens, residents of the UAE, and Muslims worldwide, praying for lasting peace and harmony.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also extended his Eid greetings, congratulating the Arab and Islamic nations and wishing the pilgrims of the House of Allah acceptance of their Hajj.
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, led the Eid prayers at Sharjah Mosque while Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi prayed at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah, and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi did the same in Ras Al Khaimah.
In Umm Al Quwain, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla conducted prayers at Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla Mosque, while Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed prayed at Zabeel Grand Mosque.
Understanding Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha, meaning “festival of the sacrifice,” is the second of the two significant Eid celebrations observed in the Arab region, following Eid Al Fitr. It commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as a demonstration of faith.
Like other religious festivities in the Emirates, it provides an opportunity for families and friends to come together, often enjoying meals and reflecting on their personal and spiritual lives. Families often commemorate the occasion by sacrificing a goat or sheep and distributing the meat to relatives and those in need.
Public and private sector employees have been granted leave from Thursday, June 5, until Sunday, June 8, with work set to resume on Monday, June 9.