Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Eid is a time for compassion

Chief Mufti says Islam teaches to care for all, regardless of religion

Dr Mustafa Haji, Grand Mufti of Bulgaria.
Photo: grandmufti.bg

People of the Muslim faith in Bulgaria are celebrating Eid. 'Kurban', an Arabic word meaning 'approaching', signifies the efforts of Muslims to approach the mercy of Allah through animal sacrifice," said Dr Mustafa Haji, Grand Mufti of Bulgaria, in his speech on the occasion.

"Eid Bayram marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage, as on this day the Hajjis are in Mecca. Muslims who are not on Hajj, but at home, celebrate Kurban Bayram by sacrificing animals. They give the meat to their near and dear ones as well as to the socially disadvantaged, showing that Islam commands Muslims to be mindful of the problems of all people. Irrespective of ethnicity and religion, all people in need are treated equally by Muslims. This year, the Muslim community has the opportunity to raise funds for Kurban animals both at home and abroad. So I thank all those who have responded to this campaign. Happy Eid!"


 Festive concerts dedicated to the most important Muslim holiday, which emphasises sacrifice for the common good, began in various Bulgarian villages on the evening of June 14. 
"While there is no call to sacrifice one's own life, it is essential to help all fellow human beings in disadvantaged circumstances," explained Shevkie Çakır from the Turkish section of Radio Bulgaria, adding that an important ritual of the festival is the sacrifice of a farm animal, which has a deep spiritual meaning linked to the story of the Prophet Ibrahim.

Prophet Ibrahim had no children for a long time and prayed to Allah saying: "I will give the most precious thing I have, but give me a child, an heir! And indeed, it was not long before his son Ismail was born. But time and years passed, and Allah appeared to him in a dream and told him that the time had come to repay him by sacrificing his beloved. The Prophet obeyed and decided to sacrifice his son. But at the moment of sacrifice, Allah sends him a ram and says to him: "This was the test for you, you have proved your love for me! And since then, Muslims have been slaughtering kurban," says Shevkie Çakır.


Like Ramadan, Kurban Bayram is about forgiveness. After the holiday prayer, men of all ages exchange greetings, with younger members respectfully kissing the hands of their elders. On returning home, each member of the family joins in, kissing the hands of their elders and exchanging holiday greetings.

Traditionally, the whole family gathers around the festive table. In recent years, family members living abroad make every effort to return home to be with their parents or children for this sacred occasion.


Children, undoubtedly the most jubilant, visit households throughout the village. In some Bulgarian villages, children of Turkish, Bulgarian and Roma descent alike take part in a cherished tradition, kissing the hands of their hosts, who in turn offer sweets and money.

Kurban Bayram lasts for four days.


Photos: grandmufti.bg, BNR - Kardzhali, BGNES
Translated and posted by Elizabeth Radkova


Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Delegations of all Orthodox Churches to arrive in Bulgaria for the 100th anniversary of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

On November 22 and 23, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church will solemnly celebrate the 100th anniversary of the consecration of the Patriarchal Cathedral "St. Alexander Nevsky" . For a century the cathedral has been "a witness to all the hopes and..

published on 11/22/24 6:05 AM

The Christian family strengthens our relationship with God

The Feast of the Epiphany - the entry of the Theotokos into the Temple - is one of the oldest and most revered feasts in the Orthodox world. It was introduced in Constantinople around the 8th century during the time of Patriarch Tarasius. It was six..

published on 11/21/24 7:30 AM

Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv marks 130th anniversary of the birth of Dimitar Peshev

The Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv , Israel, today commemorates the 130th anniversary of the birth of Dimitar Peshev, a righteous man of the nations of the world, deputy chairman of the 25th National Assembly of Bulgaria, the Bulgarian..

published on 11/20/24 2:21 PM