Top Kurdistan Region officials mark Eid al-Adha

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – On Thursday, top Kurdistan Region officials issued congratulatory messages to members of the Islamic faith on the occasion of Eid al-Adha amid conspicuously muted celebrations as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I extend my best wishes to the Muslims of Kurdistan, Iraq, and the rest of the world,” wrote Masoud Barzani, leader of Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), on social media.

He added that he wished that “the world will soon witness an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and life will resume to its normal state.” 

On Wednesday, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) issued regulations for the holiday aimed at limiting the further spread of the virus.

Read More: KRG announces Eid Al-Adha regulations amid COVID-19

They included a ban on large gatherings at mosques as well as the closure of banquet halls, night clubs, sports venues, swimming pools, bars, and spas.

Regional Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also released his own congratulatory statement, urging the public to follow prescribed precautionary measures in order to have a safe and happy Eid.

He acknowledged the current financial hardship his constituents now face, saying, “Unfortunately, we celebrate this year’s Eid al-Adha at a dire economic situation,” adding that the “undesirable situation is outside the will and power of Kurdistan Regional Government.” He asked the people of Kurdistan Region to have trust in the KRG as “it is in a continued effort to provide the financial entitlements of Kurdistan Region’s employees.” 

To this end, he said, after the holiday passes, the KRG will work to reach a “balanced” agreement with Iraq’s federal government in which the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region’s people are preserved.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, in his message, paid homage to “the families of martyrs, courageous Peshmergas,” and all the Muslims of Kurdistan and abroad as he stated that Eid should be an opportunity for “deepening forgiveness, coexistence, and solidarity among ethnic and religious components of Kurdistan Region.”

“We continue and should unify our efforts towards overcoming the challenges and crisis,” he said, in order to “guarantee the constitutional rights and entitlements [of the Kurdistan Region] as well as its regional status and entity.”

President Barzani added that he “highly appreciates” the endurance and patience of the public now weathering the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout.

Eid al-Adha marks the end of the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, called Hajj—a mandatory duty for Muslims who have the physical and financial means to carry out at least once in their lifetime.

The religious holiday is the second of two major Islamic celebrations, the first one being Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of the month of Ramadan. 

Editing by John J. Catherine