Eid al-Adha

Also known as the Festival of Sacrifice or Greater Eid, Eid al-Adha is the second and the largest of the two major religious holidays celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (known as Abraham in the Judeo-Christian tradition) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. While Eid al-Adha is always on the same day of the Islamic calendar, in the Gregorian calendar (used internationally) the dates vary from year to year, shifting approximately eleven days earlier each year. Eid al-Adha is a time of celebration, gratitude, and reflection on the values of faith, sacrifice, and charity.

Background

Eid al-Adha holds great significance in the Islamic tradition. It is rooted in the story of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), which is recounted in the Quran. The narrative showcases Ibrahim’s unwavering devotion and obedience to God’s command.

According to the Quran, Ibrahim had a profound connection with God and was chosen for his righteousness and faith. In a series of trials, Ibrahim demonstrated his devotion to God. One of the most pivotal moments came when he received a divine command in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son as an act of submission.

Struggling with the magnitude of the command, Ibrahim consulted his son, Ismail (Ishmael), who willingly accepted the decree, demonstrating his own obedience to God. Abraham knew that the command was from God and, as the Quran states, he told his son “Oh son, I keep dreaming that I am slaughtering you” to which Ismail replied, “Father, do what you are ordered to do.”

As they prepared for the sacrifice, Iblis (Satan) attempted to dissuade them from their path of devotion. Ibrahim and Ismail remained steadfast, driving Iblis away with stones, which is why stones are thrown during Hajj rites at symbolic pillars.

Just as Ibrahim was about to carry out the sacrifice, God intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram, sparing his life. This act of divine intervention showcased God’s mercy and tested Ibrahim’s unwavering trust. It symbolized that true devotion lies not in the act of sacrifice itself but in the sincerity and willingness to submit to God’s will.

The story of Ibrahim and Ismail is seen as a profound example of sacrifice, faith, and submission to God in the Islamic tradition. Eid al-Adha commemorates this event and serves as a reminder of the values of devotion, obedience, and trust. Muslims celebrate the festival with joy, gratitude, and acts of charity, reinforcing the values embedded within the story of Ibrahim's devotion and the divine mercy bestowed upon him.

Overview

Eid al-Adha is marked by various practices and customs that hold significant importance in the Islamic tradition. While practices may vary across different cultures and regions, there are common rituals observed during this occasion. During the holiday, Muslims around the world gather together to perform communal prayers and engage in acts of worship, which are typically held in mosques or large open spaces. The communal prayers are known as the Eid prayer. These prayers are performed in congregations led by a religious leader known as an imam, and include specific prayers and prostrations.

After the prayers, families and friends come together to share meals, exchange gifts, and engage in acts of charity. The festival also involves the ritualistic sacrifice of an animal, usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, symbolizing Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son and the importance of selflessness and obedience to God.

The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts. One-third is given to the needy, one-third is shared among relatives and friends, and the remaining one-third is kept for the family. It is a time of celebration, gratitude, and reflection on the values of faith, sacrifice, and charity.

To celebrate Eid al-Adha properly, Muslims make it a point to dress in their best attire on Eid day. It is customary for individuals, particularly children, to wear new or traditional clothes as a way to express joy and festivity. Different regions and communities have their own traditional clothing, such as the shalwar kameez in South Asia, the jalabiya in the Middle East, or the boubou in West Africa. Muslims, regardless of their cultural background, strive to dress modestly on Eid al-Adha. Modesty in clothing is an essential aspect of Islamic principles. Men often wear clean and formal attire, such as suits, sherwanis, or thobes, while women may choose to wear modest dresses, abayas, or hijabs.

People exchange heartfelt greetings of “Eid Mubarak” to convey blessings and well wishes to one another. It is common to hug, shake hands, and embrace each other while exchanging greetings. Because Eid al-Adha is a time for family and community bonding, people visit the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to share meals, exchange gifts, and strengthen relationships. Elaborate meals are prepared on Eid al-Adha, with delicious dishes and traditional recipes enjoyed by family and guests. Sweet treats and desserts are also an integral part of the festivities.

Eid al-Adha emphasizes the spirit of giving and helping those in need. Many Muslims engage in acts of charity by donating money, food, or other resources to support the less fortunate in their communities. Muslims use this occasion to express gratitude for the blessings in their lives and to remember the importance of faith, sacrifice, and obedience to God.

These practices and customs of Eid al-Adha foster a sense of community, generosity, and spiritual reflection. They contribute to the festive atmosphere and the reinforcement of core values within the Islamic tradition.

Bibliography

Bhagat, Dhruti. “The Origins and Practices of Eid al-Adha.” Boston Public Library, 8 Aug. 2019, www.bpl.org/blogs/post/the-origins-and-practices-of-eid-al-adha/. Accessed 12 July 2023.

Editors of History.com. “Eid al-Adha.” History.com, 27 June 2023, www.history.com/topics/holidays/eid-al-adha. Accessed 12 July 2023.

“Eid al-Adha: The Feast of Sacrifice.” Brandies University Center for Spiritual Life, 2023, www.brandeis.edu/spiritual-life/resources/guide-to-observances/eid-al-adha.html. Accessed 12 July 2023.

“Eid al-Adha Around the World: In Pictures.” BBC News, 28 June 2023, www.bbc.com/news/world-66041087. Accessed 12 July 2023.

“Prayer, Henna, Charity: Eid al-Adha Traditions Around the World.” Al Jazeera, 24 June 2023, www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/24/eid-traditions-around-the-world. Accessed 12 July 2023.