By Al Ahed Staff, Agencies
Thousands of Muslim worshipers gathered at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied al-Quds [Jerusalem] on Wednesday, defying restrictions imposed by the “Israeli” entity’s occupation authorities.
The occasion marked the observance of Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar.
As an estimated 100,000 Muslim worshippers attended the morning Eid prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque, “Israeli” police, following the end of the prayers, stormed the Muslim holy compound and forced worshippers out of Bab al-Rahma prayer area, and arrested some, according to local sources.
The “Israeli” occupation authorities intend to turn Bab al-Rahma, also known as the Golden Gate, one of the gates that lead to al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif holy compound and which is closed, into a prayer area for the Jewish fanatics and has been keeping Muslims out of the site.
Despite the limitations imposed by the “Israeli” occupation authorities, which sought to curtail the number of participants, the devout Muslims thronged to the sacred site to partake in the prayer and sermon of Eid al-Adha. This act of defiance highlighted the deep spiritual connection and determination of the worshipers to uphold their religious traditions.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice, holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as an act of obedience to Allah. The al-Aqsa Mosque compound, one of the holiest sites in Islam, serves as a symbolic and revered location for Muslims to observe this important festival.
Despite the tense political situation and ongoing occupation, the faithful worshipers flocked to al-Aqsa Mosque, filling its sacred grounds with prayers and supplications. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of devotion, unity, and spiritual renewal as the worshippers sought blessings on this auspicious occasion.
The “Israeli” occupation authorities had imposed restrictions on the number of attendees for the Eid al-Adha prayer, citing security concerns. However, the determination of the Muslim community prevailed as they defied these limitations to express their unwavering devotion.
The act of congregational prayer at al-Aqsa Mosque compound during Eid al-Adha represents a powerful symbol of resistance, as it asserts the religious and cultural identity of Palestinians in the face of occupation. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians in accessing their holy sites and exercising their religious freedom.
The gathering of thousands of worshipers at al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Eid al-Adha underscores the resilience and steadfastness of the Palestinian people in preserving their religious heritage and asserting their rights. Despite the obstacles, their commitment to their faith remains unwavering, as they continue to seek solace and divine blessings in their holiest of places.
As the Eid al-Adha celebrations continue, the devotion and determination demonstrated by the worshipers at al-Aqsa Mosque compound stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Palestinian people in upholding their religious traditions and asserting their rightful place in the land they consider sacred.
Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim officials have warned that any change in the decades-long status quo at the holy compound, as a Muslim-only prayer area in its entire 144-dunum walled area, could lead to the outbreak of violence and religious strife.
The Eid prayer, which is held on the first day of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday that started today and which coincides with the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, usually attracts tens of thousands of Muslim worshippers from all over Palestine and the world.
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