Thousands gathered for Eid al-Adha prayers across the Bay Area. In Dublin, celebrations were subdued as community members prioritized prayer after a recent fatal shooting at the San Diego Islamic Center. Organizers at the Muslim Community Center East Bay scaled back traditional festivities out of respect for victims and safety concerns. The change came about 10 days after the San Diego shooting that killed three Muslims. Worshippers attended under heightened security, including armed guards and police monitoring entrances and exits at the sports ground in Dublin. Some attendees said the violence affected their sense of safety and influenced their plans to attend. Eid al-Adha marks the end of the 10 most sacred days of the Islamic calendar and culminates in the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Sheikh Hamza Yusuf addressed the congregation on unity and shared values among Abrahamic faiths.
"“Not today. We just wanted to keep it low giving the events of San Diego,” said Shahed Latif, President of the center's Board of Directors. “Normally there would be food trucks, ice cream and other things here. Today, we just wanted to have the prayer and then (have people) leave.”"
"“I was definitely scared coming out. My husband and I did have talk about it. He was just saying, 'Just pray. Hopefully nothing happens. If you do or don't go- nothing against you. As long as you get your prayers in,'” said Nola Curtis-Khidr, an Oakland resident."
"“Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is observed by more than one-billion Muslims worldwide and marks the end of the 10 most sacred days of the Islamic calendar, culminating in the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.”"
"“E Pluribus Unum. Out of many one. That's the traditional American creed. That we are many nati"
Read at ABC7 San Francisco
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