Korbani Eid in our Neighborhood

It's the morning of Korbani Eid. These cows and goats have been purchased to become the sacrificed animals. I wondered if they know what fate awaits them. Last night the neighborhood was filled with the sounds of bleating goats and lowing cattle.

Several men tie the cow's legs, pull him to the ground, and cut his throat.  He will be skinned and cut up right there on the spot. 

This is one day that the poor get plenty of meat.    It is required in Islam to give 1/3 of the meat to the poor,  1/3 to neighbors and friends, and keep just 1/3 for yourself.    Dozens of poor people lined up in front of our building to receive some of the Korbani meat.

We were graciously invited into several homes...more than we could possibly go to. We experienced two extremes-visiting the  home of one of my English students--an anesthesiologist, whose wife is also a doctor, and also the little dirt-floor plastic-covered shack of Ajina who helps in our home.   The common element---lost of food and jubilation.  It seemed, though, that there was extra excitement in Ajina's home because it's such a special thing for the poor to get new clothes and good food.