Explaining Eid al-Adha
AMT answers frequently asked questions about one of the major Islamic holidays
If you are not Muslim, you may not know much about Islamic holidays, when they happen or what they celebrate. For example, many people assume Ramadan is a holiday, but it's actually just a month of fasting intended for self-reflection and strengthening an individual's relationship with Allah, the Arabic word for God.
The festival at the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, is one of Islam’s major holidays.
Islam follows its own lunar calendar which determines the start of religious events by the moon phase rather than specific dates. The start of each month is marked when the moon is visible after each new moon, which happens when the crescent shape begins to form. Dhu-al-Hijjah is the last month in the Islamic calendar and is considered one of the holiest months during which Muslim perform the holy Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. As one of the five pillars of Islam, Hajj is an obligation for all Muslims.
To acknowledge Eid holidays to your Muslim neighbors you can say, “Eid mubarak” which means “blessed Eid”.
What is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha comes right after Hajj, although there is no formal connection between the two events. Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu-al-Hijjah and typically lasts up to four days. This year, the celebration begins on July 9.
Friends and family gather to feast, pray and exchange gifts. Traditionally, the meat and food prepared for the holiday is shared among friends and family but also traditionally given to the poor or those in need.
This holiday remembers the Prophet Ibrahim who was ready to sacrifice his son, Ismail at Allah’s request, as a test of his faith and obedience. At the exact moment of sacrifice, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram to reward Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness and devotion.
In the Islamic holy book, the Quran, one section, Surah As-Saffat (102) states: “Then when the boy reached the age to work with him, Ibrahim said, “O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.” He replied, “O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.”
This story may sound familiar to those who are not Muslim, and that is because in the old testament of the Bible it was Abraham and his son Isaac who were asked to make the sacrifice.
What and how do Muslims sacrifice?
Qurban is the name of the free will offering made in the name of Allah. The offering, udhiyah, is an animal that is slaughtered in a ritual sacrifice. Today, the sacrifice is made with animals such as goat, lamb, sheep, cow, camel or bull.
Prior to the sacrifice, there are several things that must be done in order to maintain the sanctity of the act. These rules are laid out in the Quran which governs the entire process.
In Surat Hajj, it says “ … Then when they collapse upon their flanks, you may butcher their meat to eat of them yourselves — and to feed both the self-restrained needy and the suppliant poor. Thus have We subjugated the sacrificial animals to feed you all, so that you may all give thanks to Allah. Never shall any part of their flesh nor their blood reach Allah. But rather, it is your devotion — inspired by the fear of Allah in you — that reaches Him. Therefore has He subjugated them to you, that you shall extol Allah, the Creator, for the blessing of faith to which He has guided you. So give glad tidings to those who excel in doing good ( 22:36-37).”
The slaughter itself must be performed soon after Eid salah, or prayer. Beforehand, those conducting the qurbani must make sure that the animal meets all of the qualifications. These rules dictate the animal’s quality of life, health status and how the slaughter itself must be carried out.
It is obligatory for Muslims to donate or participate in this process. After the animal has been killed, the meat is divided into three shares. One for the individual, one for family and one for the poor and needy.
How is Eid al-Adha different than Eid al-Fitr?
These are the two main holidays in Islam.
Both are celebrated in a similar manner. The day begins by performing Eid salah in a congregation, often in new attire. Over the course of the day, people spend time with their families and enjoy meals prepared ahead of time.
Eid al-Fitr, the first of the two holidays, celebrates the completion of the Holy month of Ramadan and lasts just one day. The name means “festival of the breaking of the fast”. The celebration begins the day after the sighting of the new crescent moon.
Eid al-Adha comes after the Hajj pilgrimage and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice to Allah. The name for this holiday means “feast of the sacrifice”. The celebration continues for three days.
