In just a few days’ time, the longest break of the year will be here. As people make plans to travel abroad or meet their family members, planning is in full swing for the upcoming festivities. If you haven’t guessed already, we are obviously talking about the much-awaited, Eid al-Adha. it is one of the most important festivals for Muslims across the world! Also known as the feast of sacrifice, it is also considered to be the greater Eid, as the celebration revolves around prayers and animal sacrifice. Talking about its significance, it showcases the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son for his devotion to Allah. Here is all you need to know about this festival.
When Is Eid al-Adha Celebrated?
Eid al-Adha is celebrated to commemorate the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim when he was ready to sacrifice his son, Ismail, upon Allah’s order. But instead, god provided him with a sheep to sacrifice at the last minute! This holiday happens towards the end of the Haj, which is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and nearly 3 million Muslims from across the world travel every year during the pilgrimage season. In a report by Khaleej Times, the official holiday marking the festival happens to be from Dhul Hijjah 9 to 12 according to the Islamic calendar.
Although the dates in the Gregorian calendar can only be determined through moon sightings, according to astronomical calculations, this may fall from Tuesday, June 27 to Friday, June 30. The report also mentions that this Islamic Festival is marked in the 12th and the last month of the Hijri calendar, Dhul Hijjah.
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How Do Muslims Celebrate This Festival?
People around the world honour Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice by dressing up in the finest attires and sacrificing an animal. After this, the sacrificed meat is divided into three parts. The family will keep a third, another third will be given to the relatives, and the last third will be given to those who are less fortunate. However, it must be noted that the sacrificed animals must meet certain age and size. Moreover, families around the world come together for feasting and gifts to honour Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah.
So with Eid al-Adha just days away, make sure to plan something exciting after the long weekend is nearly upon us!
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons