Eid al-Adha Festival

The second and larger of the two major festivals observed in Islam is Eid al-Adha, also known as the Holiday of Sacrifice (the other being Eid al-Fitr). It honours Abraham’s (Ibrahim’s) readiness to offer his son Ishmael (Ismail) as a sacrifice in response to God’s instruction. But because Abraham was eager to offer his own son as a sacrifice in God’s name, God gave him a lamb to sacrifice in place of his son before he could offer his own. Animals are sacrificed ritually as a reminder of this intervention. The family that donates the animal eats some of the meat, and the remaining portions are given to the destitute and under privileged.

The family that contributes the animal consumes a portion of the meat, and the remainder is distributed to the poor and disadvantaged. Sweets and gifts are typically presented, along with visiting and welcoming extended family. Another moniker for the day is The Greater Eid.

According to the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha is a four-day celebration that starts on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah. The Gregorian (international) calendar’s dates advance by around 11 days per year.

Origin

It is believed that Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, responded, “It is a tradition that has come down to us from Abraham,” when asked about the origin of Eid al-Adha. The Feast of Sacrifice commemorates the historical moment when Prophet Abraham was given the order to sacrifice his son Ismail by God in the form of a dream vision.

The Holiday of Sacrifice, also known as the “Feast of the Sacrifice,” is the second and biggest of Islam’s two major holidays (the other being Eid al-Fitr). It honours Abraham’s (Ibrahim’s) readiness to offer his son Ishmael (Ismail) as a sacrifice in response to God’s instruction.

How is Eid al-Adha celebrated?

A special prayer known as “Salat al-Eid” and a sermon known as a “khutbah” are the first parts of the Eid al-Adha celebration. Typically, the sacrifice comes next. The remainder of the day is spent visiting friends’ and family’s homes.

Customs and Procedures

Eid-themed cookies (ma’amoul)

Distribution of meat among the populace, reciting the takbir aloud before the first day’s Eid prayers, and doing so after prayers on each of the four days of Eid are all seen as crucial components of this significant Islamic holiday.

Both adults and kids are expected to dress to the nines for the Eid prayer, which is offered in a sizable congregation on an open waqf (“stopping”) field known as a mosque or Eidgah. In order to commemorate Abraham’s willingness to offer his only son as a sacrifice, wealthy Muslims who can do so sacrifice their finest halal domestic animals (often a camel, goat, sheep, or ram depending on the location). The sacrificial animals, known as aiya (Arabic) or qurbni (Perso-Arabic), must adhere to strict age and quality requirements in order to be accepted as a sacrifice. Around $2 billion is spent on the sacrifice of approximately ten million animals on Eid days in Pakistan alone.

It is preferred to separate the meat from the sacrificial animal into three portions. One-third of the share is kept by the family, another third is distributed to loved ones, friends, and neighbours, and the final third is donated to the less fortunate and in need.

Muslims dress in their finest or newest attire. They prepare specialty desserts like samosas and ma’amoul (stuffed shortbread cookies). They assemble with friends and family.

Festivities for Eid al-Adha

India celebrates this occasion with the customary fervour and joy. Many Muslims dress up on Id-ul-Zuha and go to an outdoor prayer gathering. A sheep or a goat is also sacrificed, and the flesh is given to relatives, neighbours, and the less fortunate.