HACKENSACK, N.J. _ Eid Al-Adha, one of the holiest Muslim holidays, will begin this year on Sept. 12 _ to the relief of many Muslim Americans who worried it would coincide with the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The timing of the holiday is determined by sightings of a new moon, and religious authorities announced that they did not see one on Thursday, pushing the holiday forward by a day.
Muslim leaders and law enforcement officials had worried that large gatherings of Muslims for prayer sessions in public places might be misinterpreted as celebrations on a national day of mourning and remembrance. Had it happened, the collision of the two occasions would have coincided at a time when hate speech and bias crimes against Muslims appears to be on the rise.
Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son at God's command, and marks the end of Muslims' annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims mark the first day with prayers, followed by visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts throughout the four-day holiday.
James Sues, executive director of the New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said he was "a little relieved" about the timing of the holiday.
"Seeing a large gathering of Muslims that day could be misconstrued," he said. "You hope it's not, but you don't know what is on people's minds."
Sues reminded mosques that, in any case of holidays or large events, they should let law enforcement know ahead of time in case there is a need for police protection.
