American Muslims Fear Backlash Over Eid Al-Adha, 9/11 Anniversary Coincidence

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- American Muslims have been preparing for their holiest holiday, Eid Al-Adha which is determined by the sighting of the moon and could fall on September 11.

This year, that day also happens to mark 15 years since the deadly attack on New York City and the Pentagon.

"It's a mixed feeling, joy with sadness. Joy because of Eid and holiday and stuff like that, but at the same time sadness. It's a very sad event," Yusuf Ibrahim told CBS2's Fatima Rahmatullah.

The Director of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, New York Chapter, Dalia Mahmoud fears the coincidence could provoke a backlash on the Muslim community.

"It will be important for us to just be cognizant and cautious in the environment we are in. It is a political year. There is unfortunately a fair amount of Islamophobia," she said.

Eid Al-Adha is the feast of sacrifice for 1.6-billion Muslims.

It's an opportunity for Muslims to globally reflect on the concept of sacrifice, and Muslims generally commune whether it's in Makkah or their local neighborhood.

The traditional observance will include some celebratory customs such as food, gifts, and laughter -- that bothers some who feel deeply about 9/11.

"I don't think it should fall on that day," Marc Gonzalez said.

Others disagreed.

"The Muslims deserve their holiday. I respect their religion. It wasn't Muslims that caused 9/11, it was terrorists. So it doesn't bother me. I will remember the lives that have been lost," Sharon Cheff said.

Many Muslims will celebrate Eid Al-Adha as well as reflect on the horrors of 9/11.