By Nvasekie N. Konneh
Today, May 27, 2026 is an Islamic holiday in many parts of the world, especially in predominantly Muslim countries. Here in Liberia, it is not an official holiday but it is a kind of an informal holiday. On this day, known as Eid-el-Kabir or Abraham Day, thousands of Muslims in villages, towns and cities in Liberia will be celebrating the day. It begins with the faithful gathering in various locations, either in the mosques or in public spaces such as playgrounds and fields. For the Muslims in Liberia, the day is very important as they observe the festival along with millions of Muslims in the global Islamic communities in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, Americas, etc. For the Muslims all over the world, including those in Liberia, Eid-el-Kabir or Abraham Day is a festival with deep spiritual significance and it's rooted in sacrifice, obedience to God and compassion for peace and love within the human family. There are two major Islamic holidays in the world. The first is the Eid ul Fitr which is observed at the end of the 30 day fast of the Holy Month of Ramadan. The 2026 Eid ul Fitr took place on March 20th in Liberia and around the world. This Eid-el-Kabir or Abraham Day feast falls on May 27th this year and that is today.
On various prayer grounds throughout the country, imams will give sermons to the faithful, praying for peace and stability of the country in general and the Muslim communities in particular. Muslims throughout the country will be urged to use the occasion for prayer and sober reflection on the peace, stability and prosperity of the nation. The imams will further urge the faithful to uphold the Islamic values of peace, unity, brotherhood and peaceful coexistence with their fellow citizens in Liberia.
The key part of Eid-el-Kabir or Abraham Day festival is the animal sacrifice. These sacrificial animals could be sheep, goats, or cows. Eid al-Kabir commemorates a story mentioned in the Quran, in which the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in the biblical tradition) was commanded by God to sacrifice his son Ismail. For Muslims, this commandment from God is the ultimate test of their faith and obedience to Almighty Allah. Seeing how Prophet Abraham demonstrated his obedience to Him, Angel Gabriel replaced Ismail with a ram at the last moment. Based on this willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his only son at the time, it became obligatory for every Muslim who can afford to sacrifice a sheep, goat, or cow in commemoration of this prophetic sacrifice. It is the belief of the Muslims that this tradition is a "sunnah" practiced by Prophet Muhammad himself. Muslims are obliged to follow every good example of the Prophet.
On this occasion, leaders from the president of Liberia and others in the country are expected to issue messages of goodwill to the Muslim communities in Liberia. Since the days of Dr. Amos Sawyer when he served as the Interim President of Liberia, and up to present, Liberian presidents have given Eid messages whenever the occasion arrives. Such messages are geared toward promoting religious tolerance between the Christians and Muslims in Liberia. In his last message to Liberian Muslims in March 2626, President Boakai said, “Eid Fitr represents a sacred period of gratitude, reflection, sacrifice, and renewed faith.” He considered all these as “values” which “are essential to Liberia’s continued pursuit of unity, peace, and national development.” If President Boakai is to issue any message this time around, it will be along similar lines.
Even though it is not a national holiday, the day usually feels like an informal holiday. The spirit of the Islamic holiday is felt everywhere. From transportation, to market places, to the streets, to government offices; from eateries such as Ala Largon, De Calabash, Miami Beach, Mamba Point hotels, to Boulevard Palace, families will be seen everywhere sharing the holiday spirit. On social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, there will be exchanges of Eid greetings from Muslims to Muslims and in many cases also from non-Muslim social media users to their Muslim friends and relatives.
