Asia: Muslims in Asia to observe Eid al-Adha July 19-23

Event

Muslims in Asia will observe and celebrate Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) around July 19-23. The exact dates, which depend on local lunar sightings, vary by country. Government offices, private businesses, and financial institutions will likely 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
An upsurge in militant violence is possible ahead of and during Eid al-Adha (Eid-e-Qurban, Loy Akhtar) celebrations. Militant groups, including Taliban and the Islamic State (IS), may stage attacks during festivities in Kabul and other areas held by the government. IS has carried out several attacks on minority targets around religious holidays in recent years. Increased security is likely in Kabul and provincial capitals.

Bangladesh
Authorities have eased COVID-19 restrictions, such as allowing more businesses, limited public transport, and domestic flights to operate, through July 23 due to Eid al-Adha holiday. While previous Eid al-Adha festivities have largely passed without incident, authorities will likely be on high alert for the upcoming holiday due to possible threats of attacks by 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 will likely 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 could reportedly delay travel for up to 15 hours, especially when traveling out of Dhaka.

China
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
Incidents or alleged incidents 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 areas of western and northern India with large, mixed populations of Hindus and Muslims. Clashes are also possible in coastal parts of Karnataka State, which serve as transit points for trucks conveying cattle to legal slaughterhouses in neighboring Kerala State.

Indonesia
Communal violence or tension between Christians and Muslims is possible in some areas during Eid al-Adha (Hari Raya Idul Adha, Lebaran Haji), despite increased security. Security forces and Muslims in Papua Province will be on especially high alert, as clashes between Muslims and the mostly Christian indigenous people have occurred previously. Elsewhere in the country, members of some hardline Muslim groups may step up 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
Authorities will tighten security around prominent commercial centers, cattle markets, religious sites, and other crowded locations. Islamist militants have bombed mosques during Eid al-Adha in the past, 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.

Philippines
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 the 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.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments and travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. 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. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. In areas with elevated security threats, avoid large gatherings and exercise caution around potential terrorist targets. If clashes break out nearby, leave the area immediately, and seek shelter in a secure building. Be mindful and respectful of local religious traditions. Heed all advice of security personnel.