Kyrgyzstan cancels feast prayer in honor of Kurman Ait due to pandemic

Bishkek, July 28, 2020 ./Kabar/. Festive ait namaz (prayer in honor of Eid Al-Adha – locally known as Kurman Ait) in squares and mosques in honor of Kurman Ait on July 31 is canceled in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus infection, the press service of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan said Tuesday. The Muftiate asks believers to take this decision with understanding. The Spiritual Administration of Muslims also recommends Muslims not to visit, offer sacrifices and prayers at home. Kurman Ait marks the Hajj – a pilgrimage to the shrines of Islam - in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. One of the most significant Muslim holidays Kurman Ait falls on the 70th day after the end of fasting. According to the lunar calendar, calculus changes annually with a difference of approximately 10 days. In Arabic, the name of the holiday means "Feast of Sacrifice". On this day, Muslims sacrifice one of the animals: a sheep, a cow, a ram or a camel, set the table and go to visit each other.