Scottish Soldiers Honor Eid al-Adha

January 2006- Scottish troops (The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and 1st Battalion The Highlanders) stationed at at Camp Abu-Naji in Maysan, just north of Basra have formed a close bond with the Marsh Arabs (Mad'an and Shi'a).
Lt. Colonel Ben Edwards (Scotsman.com News, 1/12/06) comments that the Scotts and the people of Maysan share much in common: a love of the arts and poetry, a strong sense of independance, and a love for football.


To honor the people of Maysan during Eid al-Adha, an Islamic holiday, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and the 1st Battalion have donated a third of their week's food to the people of Maysan. "Eid al-Adha is the most important feast of the Muslim calendar and concludes the holy pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It lasts for four days and commemorates Ibraham's (Abraham's) willingness to obey God by sacrificing his son. According to the Koran, Ibraham was about to sacrifice his son when a voice from heaven stopped him and allowed him to sacrifice a lamb instead." (Scotsman.com News, 1/12/06).
According to Islamic custom, during the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca, Muslims remember the challenges the Prophet Abraham faced, and how his faith was deepened by being tested. At the end of the pilgrimage, Muslims all over the world celebrate the Feat of Eid al-Adha. The feast includes the ritual sacrifice of animals. Once the animal is sacrificed, the meat is cut into thirds and given away.
The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others. (Sacrifice and Eid al-Adha, About.com)
One third of the meat is given to the family, one third is given to neighbors and friends, and the final third is given to the poor.

The people of Maysan and the Scottish soldiers celebrating Eid al-Adha together have provided us with a positive example that an open heart and an open mind can form a bridge between people, despite any difference.



Information on Scottish Soldiers in Iraq:

British troops assist the people of Maysan in training border guards, and building 22 new forts.Truth on Iraq: Security and safety for the people of Maysan Province increases with completed border forts.
http://truthonirag.blogspot.com/2006/02/security-and-safety-for-people-of.html

Our Soldiers in Iraq, a poem by H. Marshall The Poetry of Scotland - Our Soldiers in Iraq, H Marshall, Scotland.
http://www.it-serve.co.uk/poetry/Other/oursoldiersiniraq.php

A site dedicated to supporting Scottish, British, Australian and American troops. I highly recommend this page.
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/scotreg/iraq.htm

Scotsman.com- News-International. Troops Donate food to Islam event.
http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=55712006



For More Information on Eid al-Adha and Iraqi Recipes:


Food in the Arab world


Iraq Recipes at Food Down Under Recipe Database


Sacrifice and Eid al-Adha in Islam