Mogadishu gathers for Eid with prayers, family meals and outings

Muslims in Mogadishu celebrated Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, which ends the Hajj period and follows Ramadan. Families gathered across the city for communal morning prayers, visits, festive meals, and outings for children. Residents commonly went to places such as Lido Beach, Darus Salam Zoo, and Maka al-Mukarama Road. Mogadishu has been emerging from decades of violence, including the government’s conflict with al-Shabab since 2006, and improving security has encouraged investment and new cafes, restaurants, and recreational spaces. At an Eid speech at the Islamic Solidarity Mosque, the president urged the public to protect the city’s peace. Eid al-Adha centers on ritual livestock sacrifice, with meat shared among relatives, neighbors, and people in need, while drought and failed rains have driven livestock costs higher.

"Central to Eid al-Adha is the ritual sacrifice of livestock, commemorating the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son before God provided a ram in his place. The meat is traditionally shared among relatives, neighbours and people in need, reflecting the festival's emphasis on charity, community and devotion. Costs for livestock have soared in recent months in Somalia due to failed rains and drought, wi"

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