EarthDiverse: learn about important global religious festivals
EarthDiverse wishes our Muslim family and friends a warm and happy Eid celebration.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Feast of the Sacrifice" is the second and the largest of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam (the other being Eid al-Fitr). It honours the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Islam shares this tradition with Judaism, and honours Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac (in the Jewish tradition) or Ishmael (in the Islamic tradition; Qur’an: Surah As-Saaffat 37:102). This story is well-known in the Hebrew Bible (Genesis 22) and is referred to as the Akedah. It is considered by both Jews and Muslims as an act of obedience to God's will. However, before Abraham could sacrifice his son, and because of his willingness to do so, God provided him with a lamb to sacrifice in his son's place.
In commemoration of this intervention, animals are ritually sacrificed in the Islamic tradition. Part of the meat is consumed by the family that offers the animal, while the rest of the meat is distributed to the poor and the needy. Sweets and gifts are exchanged, and extended family members and friends visit each other.
In the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the tenth day of the month of Dhu al-Hijja and lasts for four days.
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.6% Yes
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32.8% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
What would you do if it was your job to fix Hamilton's CBD?
More alcohol restrictions, more lighting, busking rule changes and a whole lot of lobbying - these are some ways Hamilton leaders want to sort out the CBD.
Crime and anti-social behaviour in the area has been in the spotlight after recent news of a man defecating in the street near a city pub and another who flipped tables out the back of a bar after being found scrounging cigarette butts and asked to leave.
What would you do if it was your job to fix Hamilton's CBD? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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