Milton’s Muslim community celebrates Eid al-Adha with prayer, sacrifice and community spirit

By Shazia Nazir, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

Milton’s Muslim community came together to mark two of the most sacred observances in the Islamic calendar—Hajj and Eid al-Adha—through prayer, celebration, and acts of charity that reflected the values of unity and compassion.

 

Eid al-Adha, known as the festival of sacrifice, follows the completion of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This year’s pilgrimage ran from June 4 to 9, drawing millions of Muslims from around the world to perform the rites in the Islamic holy city. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, a journey that every Muslim is expected to undertake at least once in their lifetime, if physically and financially able.

 

For those who remain at home, Eid al-Adha is marked with early morning congregational prayers, festive meals, and the ritual of Qurbani—the symbolic sacrifice of an animal such as a goat, sheep or cow. The meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for friends and relatives, and one for people in need.

 

“The essence of Qurbani is sacrifice and giving,” said Hamid Qureshi, a longtime Milton resident and active community volunteer. “It reminds us that faith is not just about rituals, but about sharing what we have with others, especially the less fortunate.”

 

Hundreds gathered across Milton on June 6 for Eid prayers at local mosques, rented halls and community centres. The Islamic Centre of Milton, among other venues, hosted morning services followed by sermons, refreshments, and community activities.

 

“Eid is a time when we come together not just as families, but as a community,” said Faizan Malik, who attended Eid prayers with his family.

“You see people you haven’t seen in a long time, you hug strangers, and it’s all about that connection and joy.”

 

Following the prayers, many local Muslim families carried out their Qurbani through certified halal meat suppliers, with several also contributing to charitable campaigns that distributed meat locally and overseas.

 

“Young people especially have been getting involved in food drives and donation initiatives,” said Talha Mahmood, a youth organizer with a Milton Muslim student group.

“It’s inspiring to see them leading with compassion.”

 

Milton is home to a diverse and growing Muslim population, estimated at over 15,000. Across the wider Halton Region—including Burlington, Oakville and Halton Hills—the Muslim population is estimated at more than 25,000, according to local community data and recent census trends.

Residents hail from a wide range of backgrounds including South Asian, Middle Eastern, African, and Southeast Asian communities.

 

For many, Milton’s multicultural fabric makes it an ideal place to practise and share their faith.

 

“There’s a lot more openness and curiosity now,” said Qureshi.

“People want to learn about what their neighbours believe. That’s how you build understanding.”

 

Despite this progress, community members say there is still work to be done to dispel myths about Islamic traditions like Hajj and Eid al-Adha.

 

“Eid isn’t just about celebration—it’s a reminder of our duty to help others and be better citizens,” Malik said.

“And that’s something everyone can relate to, regardless of faith.”

 

Residents interested in learning more about Islamic customs and local events are encouraged to reach out to the Islamic Centre of Milton, Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) Halton, or other community organizations hosting outreach events and interfaith dialogues throughout the year.