DILI, 27 May 2026 (TATOLI) — The Muslim community in Timor-Leste, comprising both Timorese and foreign residents, celebrated Eid al-Adha 1447 on Wednesday at the An-Nur Mosque in Dili, with calls for unity, solidarity and peaceful coexistence among followers of different religions.
Worshippers performed the Eid prayer (Salat al-Eid), followed by acts of charity, including the ritual sacrifice of animals and the distribution of meat to vulnerable families.
Abdullah bin Sayed Sagran, president of the An-Nur Mosque Foundation, said Eid al-Adha serves as a reminder of complete obedience to God, drawing on the example of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail in submission to divine command.
“Eid al-Adha teaches us obedience, sacrifice and sincerity in serving God and others,” he said.
He said the celebration is built on three main pillars: strengthening faith and obedience to God in the face of challenges; promoting charity through the sacrifice of animals such as cattle and goats, with meat distributed to those in need; and encouraging spiritual reflection on sacrifice, solidarity and the public good.
Alcino Menezes, representative of the Muslim community in Timor-Leste, said the celebration took place in a peaceful and tolerant environment.
“With the spirit of Eid al-Adha, the Muslim community continues to contribute strongly to national development. Timor-Leste remains an example of solidarity and religious harmony in ASEAN and the world,” he said.
Siti Aisyah, representing the Indonesian Muslim community in Timor-Leste, highlighted the country’s atmosphere of interfaith coexistence.
“We feel safe and happy living in Timor-Leste. Although the majority of the population is Catholic, people respect each other and value cultural and religious differences. This is a strong characteristic of Timor-Leste,” she said.
This year, the Coordinating Council of Islamic Organizations in Timor-Leste (CCOITL), working with the An-Nur Foundation, prepared 19 animals for sacrifice, including 15 cattle and four goats.
CCOITL Vice President, Haji Abdullah Inácio António Soares said the meat would be distributed across Dili and other municipalities.
He added that Islam in Timor-Leste is integrated into the country’s broader cultural identity, based on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
“The original culture and identity of Timor-Leste must always be respected and preserved. As Timorese Muslims, we have our own identity, which strengthens our roots in this land,” he said.
Soares also expressed appreciation for the support of national leaders, partners and businesspeople who contributed to the distribution of sacrificial meat across several municipalities, including Lautém Municipality and Viqueque Municipality.
According to Timor-Leste’s 2022 population census, of the 1.4 million inhabitants, 97.57 percent are Catholics, 1.96 percent Protestants, 0.24 percent Muslims, and a very small percentage of other religions.
TATOLI
