Haiku from Islam

Éiduladha. Kurban Bayram. 1426

three quarters full moon
      10th of dhulhajj
            and then muharrem

stained-glass sunlight
      sunrise prayer
            sacred sacrifice of sheep

in the circle
      the men all kiss
            forgiveness

after prayer
      plates of meat
            slow steady rain

crow caws
      rain falls
            seagulls call to each other

Dhul Hajj is the last month. The 8th, 9th, and 10th are the Pilgrimage, or Haj. The 10th is the Celebration of the Sacrifice of Hajj.

Muharrem is the 1st month. The 10th of Muharrem corresponds to Yom Kippur in the Islamic calendar, and 1st through the 10th of Muharrem is a time of special reflection.

Isa Kocker (Turkey)