Eid al-Adha: November 27
Eid al-Adha is a religious observance for all Muslims.
Every year, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja of the lunar Islamic calendar. The observance on the Gregorian calendar changes from year to year, being celebrated from November 27 to November 30 in 2009. It is the Festival of Sacrifice, or the Greater Eid, that commemorates the faith and obedience of Abraham to sacrifice Ishmael, his son, as requested by God.
History of Eid ad-Adha
After the birth of Ishmael, Abraham was ordered by God to offer his son as a sacrifice in the land of Moriah. After three days of travel, Abraham arrived at the mountain where he was directed to perform the sacrifice. He left a servant that had accompanied him to the foot of the mount. Ishmael then carried the wood which he would be used for his own sacrifice and walked by the side of Abraham. Ishmael repeatedly asked his father where the animal for the sacrifice was to be found, and Abraham answered, saying that the Lord would provide one.
After everything was prepared and the father was ready to sacrifice his son, an angel prevented it and gave Abraham a ram to sacrifice instead. As a reward for his faith and obedience Abraham was promised numerous descendants and abundant prosperity. It is this story of Abraham and his son Ishmael that is celebrated during the three days of the Eid al-Adha, and the altar built by Abraham is now the Kabaa in Mecca, the holiest building for Muslims and the center of the Hajj.
Eid ad-Adha Traditions, Customs and Activities
Eid al-Adha begins when the pilgrims joining the Hajj, Muslims’ annual pilgrimage to Mecca, descend from Mount Arafat. Muslims around the world join in the festivities. Muslims will dress in their most beautiful clothes and pray the Eid al-Adha prayers. On this day, the family traditionally sacrifices an animal, such as a sheep or goat, as remembrance of the offering of Abraham. This practice is known as the Qurban. Once the sacrifice is done, the meat is shared among friends, family, neighbors, and poor people. It is important that on this day no one is left without any sacrificial food.
The Eid al-Adha has many names around the world. In Singapore and Malaysia the observance is referred to as Hari Raya Haji. In West Africa the people call it Tabaski. In South East Asia, many refer to it as Hari Raya Aidiladha, though Indians call it Id al-Adha or Idu’z Zuha, and in Bangladesh it’s called Eid-ul-Azha or Id al-Adha. Different names exist around the world, but the same spirit of celebration, obedience, sacrifice, and faith are intrinsic to the observance.
Other interesting posts:
- Ashura is a religious observance for Muslims around the world
- Muslims Around the World Observe Ramadan
- The Beginning of Hajj Commemorated in Saudi Arabia
- Muslims Observe the New Year
- Muslims Pray the Whole Night during Laylat al Qadr
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