Eid Al-Adha Mubarak! - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Eid Al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the two major Islamic holidays celebrated by Muslims around the world.
- 2. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Isma'il (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God. However, before he could carry out the sacrifice, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead.
- 3. The holiday falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It lasts for four days, starting on the 10th day and ending on the 13th day.
- 4. Muslims around the world perform the Eid prayer in congregation at mosques or open prayer grounds. It is followed by the sacrifice of an animal, usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim's sacrifice.
- 5. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one-third is given to the needy, one-third is shared with relatives and friends, and one-third is kept for the family to consume.
- 6. Eid Al-Adha is a time for Muslims to come together with family and friends, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals. It is also a time for forgiveness, reconciliation, and acts of charity.
- 7. Muslims are encouraged to dress in their best clothes and adorn their homes with decorations to mark the occasion.
- 8. In some countries, Eid Al-Adha is also known as the "Greater Eid" in contrast to Eid al-Fitr, which is known as the "Lesser Eid." It is considered the holier of the two Eids due to its association with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
- 9. The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, takes place during the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, culminating in the celebration of Eid Al-Adha. Muslims who are physically and financially able are required to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime.
- 10. Overall, Eid Al-Adha is a time of reflection, gratitude, and spiritual renewal for Muslims. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God and the value of sacrifice in the path of faith.