5 ways to celebrate Eid al-Adha in New Hampshire
Learn the meaning behind one of the largest Islamic holidays and how you can live out the spirit of Eid ul-Adha in New Hampshire.
As the crescent moon rises up in New Hampshire skies on Thursday, June 7, Muslims in the Granite State will gear up to celebrate Eid Al-Adha. More than 4 million American Muslims across the country are preparing to mark the annual holiday, which is also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice.”
Eid al-Adha is different—and considered to be larger—than Eid al-Fitr, which is celebrated at the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan. This iteration of Eid marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage—one of the five pillars of Islam, which commands a visit to Mecca in Saudi Arabia for all practising Muslims who are financially and physically able to do so—and involves the sacrifice of an animal. The symbolic animal slaughter commemorates and honors the willingness of Prophet Mohammed to sacrifice his son Ishmael.
New Hampshire is home to almost 1,100 Muslims, according to the World Population Review. Despite their small numbers, Muslims have several pockets of community in the state. So much so that Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai has previously been reported enjoying a hearty Pakistani meal in the Monadnock Region.
Here’s how to foster a festive Eid spirit in New Hampshire:
Attend a local Eid prayer
Despite having a small Muslim population, New Hampshire has several mosques and Islamic community centers where you can attend local prayers. Eid prayers are typically similar to the five daily prayers but are performed closer to Fajr (the early morning prayer) and include a special sermon by the imam.
Consider attending an Eid prayer at the following New Hampshire venues:
Islamic Society of New Hampshire
Located on South Willow Street in Manchester, the Islamic Society of New Hampshire has served the Muslim population of Southern New Hampshire for almost 20 years, and is on the verge of inaugurating a new mosque off Wellington Road in Manchester.
Islamic Society of Greater Nashua
Established in 2013, the Islamic Society of Greater Nashua provides a space for the community to congregate and pray at 5 Pine Street. The center also offers Quran classes, officiates marriages, and runs Sunday school. Consider making a donation to them here.
Islamic Society of Greater Concord
Located at 181 N. Main Street, the Islamic Society of Greater Concord operates an Islamic school and offers its space for community events.
Portsmouth Mosque, Islamic Society of Seacoast Area
Housed in a former church, this mosque is open for daily prayers. It is located at 355 Spinney Road, and serves the community on the New Hampshire Seacoast and in Southern Maine.
Windham Muslim Community Center Mosque
The center is located on 27 Roulston Road in Windham, supports a growing community in the area, and offers local community space for congregational prayers. Keep an eye out for their upcoming events here.
Donate to a local charity
Zakat, or donating to charity—one of the five pillars of Islam—is encouraged during Eid. Make Zakat count by showing love to these New Hampshire-based charities.
New Hampshire Food Bank
New Hampshire Food Bank has been in operation since 1984 and works to feed food-insecure people in the state. Make a donation to them here.
Ascentria Care Alliance
Acentria advocates for the rights of immigrants and refugees across New England. The organization offers legal assistance and foster care to new Americans. Make a donation to them today.
CASA of New Hampshire
CASA is a volunteer advocacy group that provides assistance to kids in the state who experience abuse or neglect. Consider donating to them here.
Lovering Health Center
Located just outside of Portsmouth, the Lovering Health Center offers essential reproductive screenings and healthcare. Donate to them at this link.
Families in Transition
Families in Transition assists low-income families with housing, food services, emergency shelter, and substance use treatment. Find out ways to make a donation to them here.
Throw a feast with local ingredients
No Eid celebration is complete without a scrumptious meal to kick off the festivities. And since Eid is celebrated across the globe, there is no right or wrong answer as to what should be laid on the table. Here are some staff-picked recipes apt for an elaborate Eid dinner with loved ones!
Shish kebab with mint sauce
These tender skewered lamb or chicken kebabs are a delight to try, and make for a perfect excuse to have a spring barbecue. This easy-to-try, at-home recipe is made with minimal ingredients (meat and some basic spices) and is served alongside a tangy mint-yogurt sauce. Check out the recipe here.
Pilaf rice
Originating in Persia, Pilaf is a basic rice dish with many iterations emerging from all across the globe. This quick recipe requires just rice, butter, chicken stock, and spices to make, and is ready in under 30 minutes. Check out a fluffy, buttery Armenian pilaf recipe here.
Moroccan Kefta Kabobs
Made with ground beef or lamb, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those short on time. You can pair kefta kabobs with Pilaf, salad, or make a crunchy wrap with them. Check out a great kefta kabob recipe here.
Chicken Biryani
This soul food of South Asia is an aromatic, flavorful dish made with rice and meat (usually chicken or goat). Making perfect biryani might require some timely prep and a run to the grocery store to buy some biryani-specific ingredients (they should all be available at your local Hannaford or Market Basket!). Here’s how to make the most delicious pot of chicken biryani.
Give back to the community
Eid is a time of togetherness and an opportunity to embrace joy and gratitude. Here are ways to foster community spirit in New Hampshire this Eid:
Volunteer your time
Make time to engage with communities in New Hampshire. Consider helping out a local soup kitchen, food bank, nature conservancy, or animal shelter. Check out a directory of food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters in New Hampshire here.
Make a blood donation
Donating blood can save lives! Find out the eligibility requirements to donate blood here. Dartmouth Health and American Red Cross Centers across the state have blood donor programs.
Support a local business
Investing in local businesses boosts the economy and fosters community resilience. Here are some local shopping and gifting guides.
Read books by Muslim authors
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
One of the most celebrated Muslim American authors, Khaled Hosseini unpacks almost three decades of tumultuous Afghan history through a riveting, moving story of love and family in his book “A Thousand Splendid Suns.”
As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
Set amid the Syrian revolution, “As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow” is a story of endurance revolving around the protagonist, Salama, whose world is forever changed from the emotional wounds of war.
The Dream Hotel by Laila Lalami
“The Dream Hotel” is the story of a woman’s fight for freedom. The Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award finalist explores a future world where even dreams are under surveillance.
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