Tomorrow, the Muslim community will be celebrating another holiday, this time marking the end of Hajj—the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
Eid al-Adha or the Greater Eid is a two-day Islamic holiday centered on prayer and animal sacrifice, symbolizing prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah. You might say that the holiday is a commemoration of how Ibrahim and his son Ishmael showed their obedience and submission to the divine will of Allah.
Similar to Eid’l Fitr, the date of this holiday varies each year since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar calendar. However, while Eid’l Fitr is focused on thanksgiving, Eid al-Adha is a holiday of prayer and sacrifice. How do our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate this holy day?
Also Read: What You Need to Know About Eid al-Fitr
Morning prayer
On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, the faithful begin their day with morning prayers at their local mosque. Just like Eid’l Fitr, the family sets out together to pray to Allah wearing their best clothes. Some Muslims pray in public places as part of community-led events.
Meeting family and friends
It is customary to exchange gifts during Islamic holidays. Families customarily give new clothes to each other and will eat the traditional food of their country. Older relatives give out money to the younger ones. And families will also prepare cakes, biscuits, and other indulgent desserts.
Slaughtering of sheep or goat
In some countries, families buy, keep, and slaughter their own animals—usually a sheep or goat. Islamic rule states that the animal must be in good health: cannot be ill, blind, visibly lame, and emaciated. It should also be an adult animal. The meat of the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: A third of meat is eaten by immediate family members, another third is shared with friends, and the last portion is donated to the poor.
Eid Mubarak, Muslim brothers and sisters!
——–
