By: Camp Correspondent
Maungdaw, Rakhine State — June 8, 2025 |
Rohingya Muslims in areas controlled by the United League of Arakan (ULA) and its armed wing, the Arakan Army (AA), were able to observe Eid al-Adha (Qurbani Eid) peacefully this year, according to community sources from the ground.
On June 6, a central Eid prayer gathering was held in downtown Maungdaw, led by Maulvi Mosuf, a Rohingya religious leader reportedly appointed by the ULA/AA. As part of the Qurbani tradition, the ULA/AA facilitated the donation of several cows for sacrifice.
In Buthidaung, another group with ties to the ULA/AA, led by Adu Rohin, reportedly distributed cows to multiple Rohingya villages. A coordinated Qurbani donation event supported by the Arakan Army was scheduled for June 7.
Similar donation efforts were reported in several other townships under ULA/AA control, including:
- Rathedaung
- Kyauktaw
- Mrauk-U
- Minbya
- Pauktaw
In these areas, ULA/AA forces also provided up to 50 sacks of rice per village, helping communities celebrate Eid amid ongoing economic hardship and restricted mobility.
Tax Exemption Supports Religious Observance
Earlier this month, local ULA/AA tax offices had imposed a 5% tax on the value of Qurbani animals donated. However, on June 5, the AA’s central leadership issued an order cancelling the tax, allowing religious donations to proceed freely. Instead, villages were instructed to submit written reports listing the number of animals sacrificed and the names of the donors involved.
This reversal was welcomed by local communities, many of whom had feared that the tax would limit their ability to perform the Eid ritual.
Celebrating Despite Restrictions
For many Rohingya families living under conflict conditions and heavy surveillance, the chance to participate in Eid al-Adha rituals brought a rare moment of unity and spiritual relief.
“We don’t have much, but being able to pray together and offer Qurbani means a lot to us,” said one resident from Minbya. “Even if we’re not fully free, at least we could keep our faith.”
While challenges remain—including restrictions on movement, limited aid access, and ongoing tension—this year’s Eid celebrations offered a small window of peace and dignity for Rohingya Muslims across parts of northern Rakhine.
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