Thousands of worshippers gathered in unity and gratitude last Thursday (May 28) at the Eid Gahs hosted by the Pretoria United Eid Gah Committee, as Muslims celebrated Eid ul-Adha 1447. The main Eid Gah was once again hosted at the Rosina Sedibane Eid Gah Sports Grounds in Laudium, while another was held, for the first time, at the Tayfin Royale Grounds in Eldoraigne, to accommodate the growing number of worshippers in the area. Both venues were filled with devotees, including families and friends, who came together to mark the blessed occasion of Eid. At the Laudium venue, the atmosphere was one of joy, reflection and brotherhood as worshippers gathered from the early hours of the morning. A special highlight of the Laudium programme was the address by South African activist Yousuf Rahman, who recently participated in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. Addressing the congregation, Yousuf shared reflections on the challenges faced by those seeking to deliver humanitarian aid to and show solidarity with the people of Gaza. His message reminded worshippers of the ongoing suffering faced by Palestinians and the importance of standing for justice dignity and human rights. Meanwhile, the first ever United Eid Gah serving the Raslouw, Eldoraigne and surrounding communities, attracted an estimated 3 000 congregants at the Tayfin Royale Hotel grounds. The overwhelming turnout exceeded expectations resulting in the Eid salaah being delayed by approximately 10 minutes. Proceedings began with a lecture by Moulana Riaz Madani from Masjid Faizane Jeelan, who spoke about mercy, compassion and the lessons of Qurbani. The Eid Salaah was thereafter led by Sheikh Hafs from the Sayyadina Ali Institute in Raslouw. Many attendees expressed hope that the United Eid Gah would become a regular feature for the Raslouw, Eldoraigne and greater surrounding areas.
Eid-ul-Adhaa 1447: A Day of Sacrifice, Unity and Solidarity – Eid Gah at the College and Tayfin grounds- Laudium & Eldoraigne
By the grace of the Almighty, the Pretoria United Eid Gah once again brought together thousands of worshippers for the blessed occasion of Eid-ul-Adha on Thursday, (May 28).
This Eid marked a significant milestone in the growth of the Eid Gah, with celebrations expanding beyond the traditional venue at Rosina Sedibane Sports Grounds in Laudium, to include a second venue at the Tayfin Royale Grounds in Eldoraigne. By the grace of the Almighty, both venues were filled with families, friends, and members of the community who gathered in unity to mark this special day.
At the Rosina Sedibane College Grounds, the main venue of the Pretoria United Eid Gah, the atmosphere was one of joy, gratitude and spiritual reflection.
While Eid-ul-Adha is a celebration, it is also a powerful reminder that sacrifice is inseparable from faith. This Eid’s gathering carried a particularly poignant message as the Pretoria United Eid Gah had the honour of hosting brother Yousuf Rahman, a South African activist who recently participated in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla.
Addressing the congregation, brother Yousuf shared moving reflections on his experiences and the challenges faced by those seeking to deliver humanitarian aid and solidarity to the people of Gaza. His account served as a sobering reminder of the ongoing suffering endured by Palestinians and highlighted the importance of standing firmly for justice, dignity, and human rights.
His presence resonated deeply with worshippers, drawing a powerful connection between the lessons of Eid-ul-Adha and the sacrifices being made by oppressed communities around the world. Just as Nabi Ebrahim (AS) demonstrated complete submission to the Almighty and unwavering commitment to truth, Muslims today are called upon to uphold justice, support the oppressed, and remain steadfast in their principles, regardless of the challenges they may face.
The Eid salaah concluded with heartfelt du’aas, asking the Almighty to accept our sacrifices, strengthen our faith, bless our country with peace and stability, and grant relief to our brothers and sisters in Palestine and all regions affected by hardship and conflict. Special prayers were made for the sick, the elderly, the youth, and for those who have passed on; that the Almighty grant them the highest stages of Jannatul-Firdaus.
As the congregation dispersed, exchanging warm embraces and joyful greetings of “Eid Mubarak”, the spirit of the day remained evident throughout the grounds. Families reunited, friendships were strengthened and the bonds of the Ummah were renewed.
Eid Gha at Tayfin Royale Hotel grounds
The first-ever United Eid Gah serving the Raslouw, Eldoraigne and surrounding communities was hailed as a resounding success, attracting an estimated crowd of around 3,000 congregants, including a significant number of women and children. Hosted at the Tayfin Royale Hotel grounds, the event brought together members of the community living in the area, in a spirit of unity and celebration. Despite the exceptional planning and organisation, the overwhelming turnout exceeded expectations, resulting in the Eid salaah being delayed by approximately 10 minutes to accommodate the large number of attendees arriving at the venue.
Proceedings commenced with a lecture at 7:10am, delivered by Moulana Riaz Madani from Masjid Faizane Jeelan. The lecture focused on the importance of showing mercy and compassion towards others, while also highlighting the significance and lessons of Qurbani during the blessed days of Eid al-Adha. The Eid salaah followed at approximately 7:40am and was led by Sheikh Hafs from Sayyiduna Ali Institute. Congregants gathered in an atmosphere of brotherhood, reflection and celebration, marking a memorable occasion for the local Muslim community.
Attendees praised the seamless organisation and welcoming atmosphere, with many expressing hope that the United Eid Gah will become a regular feature for the Raslouw, Eldoraigne and greater surrounding areas. The remarkable turnout reflected the community’s enthusiasm for a collective Eid celebration and highlighted the success of an initiative aimed at strengthening bonds across local Muslim communities. The gathering’s success was made possible through the support of Tayfin Royale Hotel, as well as the dedication of volunteers and community members who contributed to making the inaugural United Eid Gah a memorable and historic occasion. Special appreciation is also extended to the law enforcement officials and traffic management personnel whose presence and assistance helped ensure the smooth flow of traffic, safe access to the venue and the overall safety and convenience of congregants throughout the event. The expansion of the Pretoria United Eid Gah to multiple venues stands as a testament to the continued growth, unity, and vibrancy of the Muslim community in Pretoria. It reflects a shared commitment to preserving the beautiful Sunnah of gathering together as one Ummah on the days of Eid while creating opportunities for even greater participation across the city. May the lessons of Eid-ul-Adha inspire us to embody the qualities of sacrifice, sincerity, service, and steadfastness throughout the year. May the Almighty accept our worship, bless our community, protect the oppressed and unite us upon goodness, justice, and taqwa, Ameen.
by: Mohideen Hasware
Pretoria United Eid Gah.
