Mohammed Farooqi remembers the time his children learned about Eid al-Adha, a major multiday observance in the Islamic faith, through a simulation offered by the Al-Hedaya Academy in Fort Worth.
Farooqi recalls his kids being excited to dress in the white ceremonial clothing of ihram, a sacred state that Muslims must enter to complete the Hajj or simulating the different traditions associated with visiting the Kaaba, a shrine located in the Great Mosque of Mecca.
Eid al-Adha follows the celebration after Ramadan called Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Adha recognizes the fifth pillar in the religion called the Hajj, which requires every Muslim adult to visit the holy city of Mecca if they are physically and financially able to do so. Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, also commemorates the story of Prophet Abraham sacrificing his son to God.
“The kids used to be really excited about going around the Kaaba,” Farooqi said, talking about the simulation his kids experienced, “because that just gives them a boost in their faith.”
Over 31,000 people in Tarrant County are Muslim, according to 2020 data from the Association of Religion Data Archives. Starting the evening of June 14, Muslims begin observing the Hajj; they celebrate Eid al-Adha on June 16.
Imam Moujahed Bakhach, with the Islamic Association of Tarrant County, said the occasion is something for the whole family and is meant to commemorate having “good relationships between parents and children.”
“These kinds of things are to create the atmosphere or spiritual message and practice in the mind of the children,” Bakhach said. “They will never forget it growing up.”
Here’s a selection of educational and celebratory events for Eid al-Adha in Fort Worth and Arlington.
Kids’ Hajj workshop
Children can learn about the Hajj with activities and a replay of rituals associated with the observance. Attendees are required to bring their hijab for girls and white clothing or two white towels for boys, according to the invitation. Attendees are also asked to bring ihram attire, which is meant to represent equality among people by removing societal representations of wealth or social differences that may be seen with other clothes, according to Muslim Aid.
Where: Islamic Association of Tarrant County, 4901 Diaz Ave., Fort Worth
When: 6 p.m. June 14
Cost: Free to attend
Al-Hedaya annual Hajj simulation
Kids and adults interested in learning more about the Hajj can also visit the Al-Hedaya Academy’s annual simulation. Imam Muhammad Abdullah will guide the simulation, during which attendees will learn about the pilgrimage to Mecca and the different customs and traditions associated with the observance.
Where: Al-Hedayah Academy, 8601 Randol Mill Road, Fort Worth
When: 5:30 p.m. June 15
Cost: $5 entrance fee. Children 2 or younger are free.
Eid al-Adha prayer
Tarrant County residents are invited to the Islamic Association of Tarrant County to celebrate the holiday with bounce houses, face painting, food vendors and more. The first Eid prayer, or salat, is at 8 a.m. ; another will follow at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Islamic Association of Tarrant County, 4901 Diaz Ave. Additional parking can be found at 3200 Sanguinet St.
When: 8:30 a.m. June 16
Cost: Free to attend
Eid picnic
Al-Hedayah Academy invites the public to join its Eid picnic at Stovall Park in Arlington. Pizza, shawarma and desserts will be available, as well as a playground and bounce houses. Guests are asked to bring a dish or dessert to share.
Where: S J. Stovall Park, 2800 W. Sublett Road in Arlington
When: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. June 17
Cost: Free to attend
Know of another Eid al-Adha event? Let us know at hello@fortworthreport.org.
Marissa Greene is a Report for America corps member, covering faith for the Fort Worth Report. You can contact her at marissa.greene@fortworthreport.org or @marissaygreene. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.
Republishing is free for noncommercial entities. Commercial entities are prohibited without a licensing agreement. Contact us for details.
