What is Eid Al-Adha; The Festival of Sacrifice?
Eid Al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the two major Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide by Muslims. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command, as described in the Quran. According to Islamic tradition, God provided a ram to sacrifice instead, symbolizing mercy and submission to divine will. The holiday emphasizes sacrifice, charity, and devotion to God.
Eid Al-Adha occurs on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, following the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
When is Eid Al-Adha in 2025?
The exact date of Eid Al-Adha depends on the sighting of the moon, which marks the start of Dhul Hijjah. Based on astronomical projections for 2025:
- Expected Date: Eid Al-Adha is likely to fall around June 4–6, 2025, with celebrations typically lasting 3–4 days.
- The precise date is confirmed by local moon-sighting committees, so it may vary slightly by region (e.g., Saudi Arabia, North America, or other countries).
- The day before Eid, Day of Arafat (9th of Dhul Hijjah), is a significant day of prayer and fasting for many Muslims.
“There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Eid al-Adha than the sacrificing of animals. The one who offers it will have the reward, and it will remain in the record of good deeds until the Day of Judgment.”
--Prophet (PBUH)
How is Eid Al-Adha Celebrated?
Eid Al-Adha is marked by a combination of religious, social, and charitable practices. Here’s an overview of how it is observed:
- Eid Prayer:
- Muslims begin the day with a special congregational prayer (Salat al-Eid) performed in mosques or open spaces, typically in the morning.
- The prayer is followed by a sermon (khutbah) emphasizing the themes of sacrifice and gratitude.
- Qurbani (Sacrifice):
- A key ritual is the sacrifice of an animal (usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel), symbolizing Prophet Ibrahim’s act.
- The meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives/friends, and one for the poor, emphasizing charity.
- In many regions, the sacrifice is performed by individuals or through organizations that distribute meat to those in need.
- Charity and Sharing:
- Muslims are encouraged to give to the less fortunate, ensuring everyone can partake in the celebrations.
- Donations or meat distribution to the poor are common, reflecting the holiday’s focus on generosity.
- Family and Community Gatherings:
- Families and friends gather for meals, often featuring dishes made from the sacrificed animal.
- People visit each other, exchange greetings like “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid), and share gifts or sweets.
- Festive Preparations:
- Muslims wear their best clothes, often new or special attire, to mark the occasion.
- Homes are cleaned, and special foods are prepared, varying by cultural traditions (e.g., biryani, kebabs, or sweets like maamoul).
- Connection to Hajj:
- Eid Al-Adha coincides with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage, where pilgrims perform rituals in Mecca, including standing at Arafat and throwing pebbles at the Jamarat.
- Even non-pilgrims celebrate Eid, connecting spiritually to the global Muslim community.
Additional Notes
- Significance: Eid Al-Adha reinforces values of faith, sacrifice, and compassion. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and strengthening community bonds.
- Work and School: In Muslim-majority countries, Eid is a public holiday, often lasting several days. In non-Muslim countries, Muslims may take time off for prayers and celebrations.
- Preparation: Muslims prepare by ensuring financial contributions for Qurbani, planning family gatherings, and focusing on spiritual readiness during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, considered highly virtuous.