Ukrainian Muslims Mark Kurban-Bairam
On 11 February 2003, Muslims in Ukraine and all over the world marked the feast of Kurban-Bairam. On this occasion, a festive prayer service was held in the mosque of the Islamic Cultural Center in Kyiv.
On the same day, Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma greeted the Muslims of Ukraine on this feast. “The ancient traditions of celebrating Kurban-Bairam consolidate high human values, strengthen morality, and promote unity and social accord,” reads the president’s greeting.
The feast of Kurban-Bairam is observed 70 days after the holy month of Ramadan. According to Islamic traditions, every Muslim should sacrifice a sheep or goat and give two thirds of the meat to the poor. The rest of the meat is cooked for the festive family meal. This symbolic sacrifice is made to commemorate the Prophet Abraham who was ready to sacrifice his son Isaac in order to prove his devotion to God.
This feast lasts for three days and preparations to it are very important and festive for Muslims. On that day, services are held in mosques, sermons are delivered, presents are given and a festive meal is cooked. A pilgrimage to Mecca is also dedicated to this Muslim holiday.
Today, Ukraine is home to more than 2 million Muslims. According to the latest national census in Ukraine, conducted in 2001, there are 248.2 thousand Crimean Tatars and 73.3 thousand Tatars in Ukraine. In addition, Ukraine has 300 Muslim communities and approximately 300 spiritual ministers, the majority of whom are citizens of Ukraine.
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