Ho Chi Minh City leaders extend Raya Idil Adha greetings to Muslim community

On Monday morning, as part of celebrating Raya Idil Adha (1447 AH, 2026), also known as the ‘festival of sacrifice’ in the Islamic calendar, a delegation from the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee’s Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilization, led by Duong Anh Duc, a member of the standing board of the municipal Party Committee and head of the commission, visited the Representative Committee of the Muslim Community in the city.

The delegation also included Phan Le Vu, head of the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Division under the commission.

During the visit to the Representative Committee of the Muslim Community, Duc acknowledged the community’s contributions to the development of the city and Vietnam as a whole.

He said the community has consistently complied with local regulations and cooperated with authorities, helping foster a harmonious social environment and contributing to local development.

Machdares Samael, head of the committee, expressed appreciation for the city leadership’s continued attention and support for religious activities and community life.

He also highlighted the significance of Raya Idil Adha in the Islamic calendar, describing it as one of the most important festivals for Muslims worldwide.

He said the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca reflects devotion to Allah, as well as themes of unity, sharing, and compassion among Muslims.

During this festival, worshippers gather at mosques for prayers and carry out the Qurban ritual (the sacrifice of cattle, goats, and sheep), with the meat distributed to those in need.

On the occasion, Duc extended Raya Idil Adha greetings to the Muslim community in Ho Chi Minh City.

The delegation also visited the Muslimin, Musulmane and Al-Rahim mosques, where Duc met worshippers and conveyed festival greetings and best wishes.

According to local officials, the Cham Muslim community in Ho Chi Minh City largely stems from southern An Giang Province and mostly follows the Sunni branch of Islam under the Shafi’i school of thought.

Following administrative restructuring last year, the city is now home to around 9,400 Muslim followers, who practice at 11 mosques, five smaller prayer halls, and seven communal worship sites.

The community is noted for its strong cohesion, with members often living near mosques and maintaining close ties between daily life and religious practice.