Iraqi Parliament declares Eid Al-Ghadeer an official public holiday
Iraqis celebrate Eid Al-Ghadeer in the holy Iraqi city of Najaf on July 28, 2021. Photo: National World
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – On Wednesday, the Iraqi Parliament passed a significant law designating Eid Al-Ghadeer as an official public holiday across the nation. This landmark decision recognizes the cultural and religious importance of Eid Al-Ghadeer, celebrated by many in the country.
Eid Al-Ghadeer is a major holiday for Shia Muslims across the world. This Islamic event takes place a few days following the commonly observed Eid Al-Adha (Greater Bairam).
The new holiday aims to honor the occasion and provide citizens with the opportunity to observe and celebrate this pivotal event. The law’s passage reflects the government’s commitment to acknowledging and preserving the diverse traditions and religious practices within Iraq.
In Shia tradition, this day marks the beginning of the Institution of Imamate and the end of Prophethood. Prophet Muhammad’s cousin, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, was designated as the first of the twelve Imams to lead and guide the Muslim community.
Eid Al-Ghadeer has become more well-known in recent years. Iraqi officials often take the entire day off work on this occasion.
The leader of the Sadrist Movement, Muqtada Al-Sadr, encouraged the Iraqi Parliament last month to formally declare Eid Al-Ghadeer a national holiday.
Shia communities, which make up a significant portion of Iraq’s population, supported Al-Sadr’s appeal.
In response to Al-Sadr’s request, over a hundred Iraqi MPs have signed a letter to the Speaker of Parliament requesting approval of the Official Holidays Law for the country, which includes making Eid Al-Ghadeer an official holiday for all Iraqis.
In addition to respecting Shia Muslim customs and beliefs, supporters of religious freedom and diversity believe that declaring Eid Al-Ghadeer an official holiday will foster national unity in Iraq.