Hometown Mercy Mosque Reschedules Halal Eid Fest For Saturday

OAK LAWN, IL — Hometown Mercy Mosque is going to try again to hold Halal Eid Fest on Saturday, July 15, after being rained out a few weeks ago. One of the biggest celebrations of the Islamic Culture, the fest runs from noon to 8 p.m. at 8525 S. Kostner Ave. Halal Eid Fest offers delicious halal food and American fare, exciting entertainment, cultural booths, sweet treats, kids activities, kiddie rides and a petting zoo.

While most non-Muslims are familiar with Eid ul-Fitr, signifying the end of month’s fasting during Ramadan, Eid al-Adha is the second major Eid of the Islamic religion. Meaning “Feast of Sacrifice,” Eid al-Adha marks the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham to Christians and Jews) to sacrifice his son to God. Many Muslims perform extra morning prayers, visit mosques and host community gatherings. They sometimes sacrifice livestock such as a goat, cow or lamb and distribute the meat among family, friends and those in need.

“We thought it would be a nice thing to do on the first Saturday after Eid al-Adha,” said Qudri Abdallah, who works for American Halal Institute. “We thought it would be a good opportunity to meet our neighbors. People who don’t know about Islam we welcome them to come, we want positive people.

The Halal Eid Fest is hosted by the mosque and the American Halal Institute for the Muslim and non-Muslim neighbors, to “come together, embrace diversity, and rejoice in the spirit of unity, gratitude, and joy.”

Eid al-Adha takes place at the end of Hajj, which is an Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam. The three-day period of prayers for Muslims worldwide ended June 28.

“At least once in a Muslim’s lifetime, they travel to the city of Mecca,” Abdalla said. “There are 3 million Muslims from around the world currently in Mecca.”

The Hometown Mercy Mosque opened quietly in the spring in the former Our Lady of Loretto Church. The mosque hosted a meet and greet for the neighbors.

“We had so many positive interactions with people. A good number of neighbors came,” Abdalla said. “I believe in the goodness of humanity. We share so many values with Christians and Jews. Our children need good schools and safe streets to be on.”

Admission to Halal Eid Fest is free. There will be food for sale and a small charge for the rides ($2 to $6). Tickets to the petting zoo are $4. For more information, call 630-789-9191 or email [email protected].