A Spirit of Unity: Eid al-Adha 1446 H Celebrations at Soedirman Camp, UNIFIL Headquarters

PATROLI | LEBANON — A solemn and united atmosphere marked the celebration of Eid al-Adha 1446 H held at Al Hidayah Mosque, Soedirman Camp, Naqoura. The celebration was attended by all personnel of the Indonesian Contingent as well as Muslim expatriates residing within the UNIFIL Headquarters (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) in Naqoura on Friday, July 6, 2025.

The series of activities began with the Eid prayer at 7:00 AM local time, led directly by Captain Arh Muhammad Fian Wijaya, S.T.Han., M.H., who served as both Imam and Khateeb. In his sermon, he emphasized the significance of sincerity and sacrifice as the core of Eid al-Adha, as well as the importance of strengthening solidarity and humanity in every act of service, especially in peacekeeping missions like Lebanon.

Following the prayer, the event continued with the slaughtering of sacrificial animals at 08:00 local time, consisting of seven goats contributed by the personnel of the Garuda Contingent. The slaughtering process was conducted with solemnity, in accordance with Islamic law and applicable hygiene protocols. 

As a gesture of concern for the local community, at 11:00 AM local time, sacrificial meat was distributed to 60 Lebanese residents who are local workers at UNIFIL HQ. This activity embodies the spirit of sharing and strengthening harmonious relations between peacekeeping forces and the surrounding community.

The Eid al-Adha celebrations concluded with Friday prayers and a communal lunch for all personnel at Soedirman Camp. The lunch was attended by approximately 100 international guests, including Muslim peacekeepers from various countries and representatives from Austria, Germany, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, India, China, Korea, Italy, France, Ghana, Bangladesh, and Sierra Leone, adding warmth and a strong sense of brotherhood to the occasion. 

The Commander of the FHQSU Task Force, Colonel Allan Surya Lesmana, S.Sos., expressed appreciation for the smooth and solemn conduct of the event. “Eid al-Adha is not only a time for worship but also an opportunity to strengthen bonds of brotherhood, both among task force personnel and with the local community. The spirit of sharing and sacrifice, which is the essence of Eid al-Adha, is highly relevant to our noble mission as peacekeeping forces under the United Nations." Colonel Alan concluded.  (*)