Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, revered as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the two most important festivals in the Islamic calendar. It honors the extraordinary story of the Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail, as an act of absolute obedience to God's command. This profound test of faith is a cornerstone narrative in the Abrahamic religions. According to the Quran, just as Ibrahim was about to carry out the sacrifice, God intervened, revealing that the command was a trial of his devotion. He had proven his unwavering faith. In place of his son, God provided a ram for the sacrifice. This powerful event is commemorated by Muslims worldwide as a symbol of complete submission to God's will and the immense rewards of faith.

The festival also marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Eid al-Adha begins on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and the celebrations last for three to four days. It is a time for prayer, feasting, and, most importantly, charity, reinforcing the core Islamic values of compassion, community, and sharing one's blessings with those less fortunate.

The day begins with special congregational prayers, known as Salat al-Eid, which are held in mosques or large open areas. Muslims dress in their finest clothes to attend the prayer. Those who can afford it sacrifice a domestic animal, such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. This act, known as Qurbani, commemorates Ibrahim's sacrifice. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one-third is for the family, one-third is for friends and relatives, and one-third is given to the poor and needy, ensuring that no one is left out of the celebrations.