TEXT AND PHOTOS BY JUAN CARLO DE VELA
MUSLIMS in Cebu gathered for Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, with worshippers offering prayers at Plaza Independencia and Muslims from Al Khariah Mosque in Mambaling, Cebu City, performing the ritual sacrifice of goats and cattle on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The observance commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command and symbolizes faith, devotion and charity.
Eid al-Adha is considered one of Islam’s holiest celebrations and coincides with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. During the feast, sacrificial animals such as goats, sheep and cattle are offered in a practice known as Qurbani, with the meat traditionally divided among family members, relatives and the poor to promote generosity, compassion and community solidarity. The celebration also highlights values of gratitude, selflessness and unity among Muslims.