Northwest Indiana’s Muslim Community Unites for Eid Al-Adha
On Friday, June 6, 2025, Muslims from across Northwest Indiana came together in Crown Point’s Sparta Dome to mark Eid Al-Adha, one of Islam’s two foremost holidays. This gathering marked the opening day of a three‐day celebration, and the spacious dome provided an ideal setting for a communal prayer and festive unity.
Organizer Jawad Nammari, a volunteer with the Northwest Indiana Islamic Center, explained that the venue was intentionally chosen for its ability to accommodate a large, diverse community. “Rather than hosting the celebration at a single mosque, we opted for the Sparta Dome to bring together Muslims from every corner of the region,” he said.
Leading the prayers was Iman Mongy El-Quesny of the Northwest Indiana Islamic Center, who guided the community through the sacred recitations. Nammari, who also assisted in organizing the event, emphasized the importance of community unity on this significant day.
Eid Al-Adha commemorates the act of faith when Prophet Ibrahim was commanded to sacrifice his son as a demonstration of obedience to God. According to tradition, at the moment of sacrifice, God provided a ram to be offered instead. This sacred narrative symbolizes complete trust and devotion, a theme that resonated throughout the celebration.
Many community members began their day by traveling to local mosques such as the Illiana Islamic Center in Highland or the Northwest Indiana Islamic Center in Merrillville for early morning prayers. Once inside the dome, attendees removed their shoes and greeted each other with warmth—sometimes with hugs or handshakes—before taking their seats on spread-out rugs and chairs.
During the service, the community joined in the recitation of Takbeen—the praise of Allah—guided by Iman Mongy El-Quesny. In an atmosphere filled with gratitude and forgiveness, friends and family exchanged heartfelt greetings, further strengthening their bonds.
Following the formal prayers, family-friendly festivities unfolded inside the dome. Children enjoyed bouncy houses and interactive games, while food trucks offered traditional dishes such as shawarma and falafel. As Jawad Nammari noted, although Muslims observe daily prayers and follow God’s commandments routinely, Eid Al-Adha is set apart as a day that honors sacrifice, generosity, and communal solidarity.
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