Celebrating our cultures.
What is Eid ul Adha all about?
S – This Eid is a 3 day celebration of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering devotion and willingness to listen to Allah when asked to sacrifice his son, Ishmail.
O – Just before Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, Allah stopped him and gave him a lamb to sacrifice instead. That’s why lots of people celebrate by eating dishes with lamb in! Also during this Eid, there’s a big emphasis on donating to charity, and it’s customary for every family to donate 30% of all lamb they have to charities.
S – Actually, my family don’t normally eat any lamb, instead everyone in my family that works donates £75 to a charity which provides food to those living in poverty. This year all the money we donate is going to support those in need in Yemen, meaning they’ll get the opportunity to get involved in Eid celebrations.
What will you be doing to celebrate Eid ul Adha?
S – This Eid begins on Sunday 16th June, so me and all my family will be heading to a local park at 9am on Sunday morning to pray. There’ll be hundreds of people getting involved, so we have to do it in a park as there’s no room otherwise! After that, we’ll all head back home and I’ve been designated to cook a huge English breakfast for my entire family, and then we’ll put on new clothes to celebrate. All 3 days of Eid ul Adha are focussed on spending time with family and eating lots of food.
O – Oh the food – there’s so much of it! From mechoui to tagine, it’s all so delicious! This year will be a bit different for me, as I’m not back home in Morocco to celebrate – but I’ll be joining Suraiya’s family, and I’m looking forward to seeing all the different traditions they have to celebrate!
What’s 1 thing more people should know about Eid ul Adha?
O – That each traditions vary from country to country. Even though Suraiya and I are both Muslim, we both have different experiences and traditions that we do during Eid. For instance, it’s typical for every family in Morocco to have their own lamb, and slaughter it themselves.
S – Really? I didn’t even know they did that in Morocco! My family are Bangladeshi, and it’s common for families in Bangladesh to have a maid that will prepare the lamb.
O – Oh, I’d also tell people to not be scared if they visit Morocco during Eid and see lots of butchers covered in blood!
How important is it to work at a place that is inclusive?
O – I feel so lucky to work with Suraiya, and have that solidarity with someone that truly understands. Our traditions might be different, but the core of what we believe is all the same, and having that support makes it easier when celebrating events without my family.
S – Working somewhere inclusive is so important, otherwise you feel alienated. Here at Baxter Freight, everyone’s always been so accommodating and understanding when it comes to my religion, for instance whenever I need to pray.
O – Oh when I started here, I remember being scared to say I needed to pray, as sometimes there’s preconceptions, and not all businesses accept it – but it’s been absolutely fine here, and doesn’t change how people view me. Lots of people will speak to me about my religion and are genuinely interested, and I really enjoy being able to share my culture with the people I work with.
Better together
By embracing each other’s culture, we’re able to expand our knowledge and widen our understanding.
Simple actions can have a wide-felt impact, especially in the workplace.
One of our values is We Are Better Together, and by celebrating our differences, we’re able to build an inclusive culture, and be better together.
To all that celebrate, Eid Mubarak!
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