Asia: Muslims in Asia to observe Eid al-Adha July 9-12

Event

Muslims in Asia will observe and celebrate Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) July 9-12. The exact dates depend on local lunar sightings and vary by country. Government offices, private businesses, and financial institutions may close in areas with a significant Muslim population for at least three days. Gathering and travel restrictions related to COVID-19 will likely impact holiday observances in many areas. Authorities may break up gatherings that are considered to breach COVID-19 measures.

Eid al-Adha typically passes peacefully in most areas, but increased security and unrest are possible in several countries.

Afghanistan
Eid al-Adha is likely to be observed July 9-11. An upsurge in militant violence is possible ahead of and during Eid al-Adha (Eid-e-Qurban, Loy Akhtar) celebrations. Militant groups, such as the Islamic State (IS), may stage attacks during festivities in Kabul, especially near religious sites, residential neighborhoods, and urban centers. IS has carried out several attacks on minority targets around religious holidays in recent years, particularly with vehicle-borne explosives. Increased security is possible in Kabul and provincial capitals.

Bangladesh
The public holiday will probably be observed July 9-12. While previous holiday festivities have largely passed without incident, authorities are typically on high alert due to possible attacks by active militant groups, such as the neo-Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (neo-JMB). An IS-claimed mass-casualty attack killed at least 22 in Dhaka during the 2016 Ramadan holiday. Security personnel may set up checkpoints on highways and boost security at government buildings, consulates, prominent commercial centers, cattle markets, religious sites, transport hubs, and other potential targets. Heavy congestion on rail, road, and river transport is possible, especially when traveling out of Dhaka.

China
Eid al-Adha will likely be celebrated July 9-11. While significant unrest is unlikely, tensions will probably be elevated amid tight security in parts of western China, especially in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. The government could impose tight restrictions, including prohibiting civil servants and others from attending mosques and strictly monitoring religious sermons throughout the region. Eid al-Adha is also an important holiday in areas populated by the Muslim Hui minority.

India
India will observe Eid al-Adha July 9-10. Incidents or allegations of cow slaughter have sparked communal clashes in parts of India ahead of Eid al-Adha (Bakrid) in previous years; the slaughter of cows is illegal in most parts of India. Increased religious tensions are more likely in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh states, and other rural parts of western and northern India with large, mixed populations of Hindus and Muslims. Terror attacks are also possible, especially due to recent threats by various Islamist militant outfits over alleged blasphemous comments on the Muslim Prophet Muhammad by a politician.

Indonesia
Eid al-Adha celebrations will begin the night of July 9. Communal violence or tension between Christians and Muslims is possible in some areas during Eid al-Adha (Hari Raya Idul Adha/Lebaran Haji). Security forces and Muslims in Papua Province may be on especially high alert based on previous clashes between Muslims and the mostly Christian indigenous people. Members of some Islamist groups could increase harassment of religious minorities, particularly in areas with known communal tensions, including Poso in Central Sulawesi Province and parts of the Jakarta metropolitan area.

Pakistan
Pakistan will observe Eid al-Adha from the night of July 9; the holidays will last through July 12. Authorities typically tighten security around prominent commercial centers, cattle markets, religious sites, and other crowded locations. Islamist militants have previously bombed mosques during Eid al-Adha, and rumors of potential attacks on religious sites may circulate. Areas at an elevated threat from an attack include places of worship used by minority sects, including mosques, Shi'a imambargahs (congregation halls), and Sufi shrines, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.

The Philippines
Eid al-Adha will probably be celebrated July 9-11. Authorities will likely heighten security around the Eid al-Adha holiday, particularly in Metro Manila and the Mindanao region in the southern Philippines, due to the persistent threat from IS-inspired militant organizations, including Abu Sayyaf Group. Increased security is possible around sensitive sites, including major government buildings, religious venues, transport hubs, markets, and other crowded locations. The security measures may prompt localized transport and business disruptions.

Context

The Feast of Sacrifice, known as Eid al-Adha, is one of the most sacred holidays in Islam and a celebration marking the climax of the Hajj (pilgrimage) in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. In accordance with Islamic customs, Muslims who can afford to do so slaughter sheep, goats, or cows, sharing the meat with neighbors, relatives, and those in need.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Adhere to local customs and avoid sensitive topics of discussion, including religious or political issues. Abide by national health and safety measures. Confirm all business appointments and travel arrangements. Drive with caution and allow additional time to reach destinations; traffic fatalities increase sharply during this high-travel period. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. In areas with elevated security threats, avoid large gatherings and exercise caution around potential terrorist targets, such as transport hubs, touristic venues, religious sites, and high-profile urban centers. If clashes break out nearby, leave the area immediately, and seek shelter in a secure building.