Eid al-Adha, also known as the 'Feast of Sacrifice,' is one of the most significant festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide, including in Timor-Leste, a predominantly Christian country with a significant Muslim minority. Commemorating the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, Eid al-Adha lasts for three days and is a time of prayer, reflection, and communion with friends and family. Despite being a minority in Timor-Leste, Muslims in the country observe this holiday with great reverence and devotion.
The celebration of Eid al-Adha in Timor-Leste, similar to other Muslim communities globally, begins with an early morning prayer at the mosque. Following this, the tradition of Qurbani, the ritual animal sacrifice (usually a goat or sheep), takes place. The meat from this sacrifice is divided into three parts. One third is given to the poor and needy, another third is shared with neighbors and friends, and the final third is kept for the family. This practice not only embodies the spirit of sacrifice but also promotes an ethos of sharing and caring for the wider community.
Eid al-Adha in Timor-Leste is also marked by feasting, with families and communities coming together to share meals made from the sacrificed animal's meat. Various dishes are prepared, rich in flavors and made from recipes passed down through generations. In addition to the feasting, this is a time when Muslims in Timor-Leste wear their finest clothes, give gifts to children, and offer prayers for peace and prosperity. Despite being celebrated by a minority group, the festival's values of charity, community, and sacrifice echo the wider Timorese culture, making it a significant holiday in the country.