Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, often called the 'Feast of Sacrifice,' is one of the two most significant festivals in Islam, celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It's a profound commemoration of faith, devotion, and generosity, deeply rooted in the story of Prophet Abraham's willingness to obey a divine command. More than just a holiday, it's a vibrant tapestry of prayer, sacrifice, feasting, and community, with unique traditions echoing across continents. Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham's ultimate act of devotion and God's merciful intervention, marking it as a triumph of faith. The central ritual, the 'udhiyah' or animal sacrifice, symbolizes generosity and ensures that even the most vulnerable in the community share in the festive meals. The festival is intrinsically linked to the annual Hajj pilgrimage, with many of its rituals mirroring those performed by pilgrims in Mecca.
AI Summary
Eid al-Adha, often called the 'Feast of Sacrifice,' is one of the two most significant festivals in Islam, celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It's a profound commemoration of faith, devotion, and generosity, deeply rooted in the story of Prophet Abraham's willingness to obey a divine command. More than just a holiday, it's a vibrant tapestry of prayer, sacrifice, feasting, and community, with unique traditions echoing across continents.
- Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham's ultimate act of devotion and God's merciful intervention, marking it as a triumph of faith.
- The central ritual, the 'udhiyah' or animal sacrifice, symbolizes generosity and ensures that even the most vulnerable in the community share in the festive meals.
- The festival is intrinsically linked to the annual Hajj pilgrimage, with many of its rituals mirroring those performed by pilgrims in Mecca.
The Festival of Sacrifice
Eid al-Adha, meaning 'Feast of the Sacrifice' in Arabic, stands as one of the two major annual festivals in Islam. It's also affectionately known in many regions as Eid al-Kabir, or the 'Greater Eid,' signifying its profound importance and widespread celebration.
This sacred holiday falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijja, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. While the main observances occur on this day, the spirit of celebration and specific rituals, known as the Tashreeq days, extend for another three days, fostering an extended period of joy and reflection.
At its heart, Eid al-Adha honours the unwavering devotion of Prophet Abraham. It remembers his profound willingness to sacrifice his beloved son as an act of obedience to God's command, a testament to absolute faith that resonates through generations.
For pilgrims undertaking the Hajj, the annual journey to Mecca, Eid al-Adha marks a significant point in their spiritual odyssey. Many essential Hajj rites, such as the circumambulation of the Kaaba (tawaf) and the ritual stoning of symbolic pillars, coincide with or immediately follow the Eid day.
What's in a Name?
The Arabic word 'Eid' (عيد) is ubiquitous in Islamic holidays, simply meaning 'festival,' 'celebration,' or 'feast day.' Its linguistic roots suggest themes of repetition and returning, perfectly capturing the essence of a recurring annual celebration.
The second part, 'al-Adha' (الأضحى), signifies 'the sacrifice,' derived from the root 'ḍaḥḥā,' meaning to immolate or offer up. This clearly points to the central ritual that defines the holiday, though its precise etymological link to 'sacrifice' in the Quran is primarily found in Hadith literature, rather than direct Quranic verses.
Interestingly, in some regions like Iran and the Indian subcontinent, influenced by Persian, the pronunciation shifts to Eid al-Azha or Eidul Azha. This global festival is truly a tapestry woven with local linguistic and cultural threads.
The Story of Sacrifice
The foundation of Eid al-Adha lies in the extraordinary trial of Prophet Abraham, known in Islam as Ibrahim. According to Islamic tradition, Abraham received a divine command in a series of recurring dreams: he was to sacrifice his cherished son, Ishmael.
Facing this unimaginable test, Abraham sought his son's counsel. Ishmael's response, as narrated in the Quran, is equally profound: 'O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.' His willingness to submit exemplified remarkable faith, mirroring his father's devotion.
As Abraham prepared to carry out the command, a momentous intervention occurred. Just as he was about to fulfill the sacrifice, the Angel Gabriel proclaimed that Abraham had indeed fulfilled the divine revelation. God, witnessing Abraham's complete submission, provided a ram from heaven to be sacrificed instead of Ishmael.
During this profound moment, tradition tells us that Iblis, Satan himself, attempted to dissuade Abraham and his family from obeying God. Abraham courageously drove him away by throwing pebbles. This act is commemorated during the Hajj pilgrimage, where pilgrims symbolically stone pillars representing Iblis's temptation.
This pivotal narrative of faith, obedience, and divine mercy is also shared with Judaism, where it is known as the Akedah, or the Binding of Isaac. While the son's identity differs in some Abrahamic traditions, the core message of devotion remains universally powerful.
A Global Celebration
As Eid al-Adha dawns, Muslims around the globe begin with recitations of the 'takbir'—phrases praising God—creating an atmosphere of spiritual anticipation. The day is primarily marked by communal prayer, heartfelt greetings, and acts of charity.
Similar to Eid al-Fitr, the special Eid prayer is performed in the morning, after sunrise and before the midday Zuhr prayer. This congregational prayer, often held in large open fields known as Eidgahs or in grand mosques, is followed by a sermon (khutbah) reinforcing the festival's spiritual lessons.
Following the prayers, communities come alive with joyful exchanges of 'Eid Mubarak'—blessed Eid—hugs, gifts, and delicious feasts. People adorn their finest clothes, and it's a cherished opportunity to strengthen family bonds and extend invitations to friends, neighbors, and colleagues of all backgrounds.
The Udhiyah Sacrifice
The most distinctive observance of Eid al-Adha is the 'udhiyah,' the ritual sacrifice of a livestock animal, performed after the Eid prayer. Muslims who are financially able sacrifice a halal animal—typically a sheep, goat, ram, or camel—symbolizing Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his son.
This act is deeply rooted in social justice and generosity. The meat from the sacrificed animal is traditionally divided into three equal portions: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and the final third for those in need. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their economic situation, can partake in the festive meal.
While many scholars consider the udhiyah an obligatory act (wāǧib), others view it as a highly recommended custom (sunna mu'akkada), emphasizing its spiritual significance. Alternatives like charitable donations or even fasting have been suggested for those unable to perform the sacrifice directly.
Global Echoes of Eid
Across the world, Eid al-Adha manifests in a delightful array of unique cultural traditions, while its core values of generosity, family, and celebration remain universal. Each region adds its own distinct flavor to this global festival.
Regional Flavors
In Pakistan, women adorn their hands with intricate henna designs, and children eagerly await 'Eidi'—money and gifts from their elders. These customs highlight the joy and familial bonds that are central to the celebration.
Throughout various African nations, the Eid is marked by extensive feasting and the exchange of gifts among friends and family. Despite diverse local customs, the underlying spirit of giving, communal meals, and grand celebrations unites these distinct cultures.
In Bangladesh, Eid al-Adha is affectionately known as 'Korbanir Eid,' or the 'festival of Qurbani' (sacrifice). It's a massive event where an estimated 13 million animals are sacrificed annually, often after being purchased from vibrant, temporary cattle markets that spring up across the country.
During this time, many working people in Dhaka embark on a pilgrimage back to their hometowns to celebrate with extended family. Traditional Bengali meat dishes like Kala bhuna and Qorma, often served with pulao or various rice flour breads and local sweets, become the stars of these celebratory feasts.
The Shifting Calendar
Eid al-Adha's exact date on the Gregorian calendar shifts each year, as the Islamic calendar is lunar, approximately eleven days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar. This means the festival gradually cycles through all seasons over time, offering a different backdrop each year.
Due to the variations in crescent moon visibility and differing interpretations across regions, the precise start of any lunar Hijri month can vary. Consequently, the celebratory day for Eid al-Adha may differ by a day or two between localities around the world, making the timing a dynamic part of the observation.
Official dates, such as those published by Saudi Arabia's Umm al-Qura calendar, serve primarily as a guide for planning. The actual commencement of Dhu al-Hijja and, subsequently, Eid al-Adha, is confirmed by local religious authorities through direct moon sighting on the 29th day of the preceding lunar month. It's a careful balance of tradition and astronomical observation.
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Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى, romanized: ʿĪd al-ʾAḍḥā, lit. 'Feast of the Sacrifice') is the second of the two main festivals in Islam, alongside Eid al-Fitr. It falls on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijja, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. Celebrations and observances are generally carried forward to the three following days, known as the Tashreeq days.
Eid al-Adha, depending on country and language is also called the Greater or Large Eid (Arabic: العيد الكبير, romanized: al-ʿĪd al-Kabīr). As with Eid al-Fitr, the Eid prayer is performed on the morning of Eid al-Adha, after which the udhiyah or the ritual sacrifice of a livestock animal, is performed. In Islamic tradition, it honours the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command. Depending on the narrative, either Ishmael or Isaac are referred to with the honorific title "Sacrifice of God". Pilgrims performing the Hajj typically perform the tawaf and saee of Hajj on Eid al-Adha, along with the ritual stoning of the Devil on the Eid day and the following days.
Etymology
Eid al-Adha
The Arabic word عيد (ʿīd) means 'festival', 'celebration', 'feast day', or 'holiday'. The word عيد is a triliteral root (ʕ-y-d), with associated root meanings of "to go back, to rescind, to accrue, to be accustomed, habits, to repeat, to be experienced; appointed time or place, anniversary, feast day". Arthur Jeffery contested this etymology, and believed the term to have been borrowed into Arabic from Syriac, or less likely Targumic Aramaic.
The holiday is called عيد الأضحى (Eid-al-Adha) or العيد الكبير (Eid-al-Kabir) in Arabic. The words أضحى (aḍḥā) and قربان (qurbān) are synonymous in meaning 'sacrifice' (animal sacrifice), 'offering' or 'oblation'. The first word comes from the triliteral root ضحى (ḍaḥḥā) with the associated meanings "immolate; offer up; sacrifice; victimize". No occurrence of this root with a meaning related to sacrifice occurs in the Qur'an but in the Hadith literature. Assyrians and other Middle Eastern Christians use the term to mean the Eucharistic host. The second word derives from the triliteral root قرب (qaraba) with associated meanings of "closeness, proximity... to moderate; kinship...; to hurry; ...to seek, to seek water sources...; scabbard, sheath; small boat; sacrifice". Arthur Jeffery recognizes the same Semitic root, but believes the sense of the term to have entered Arabic through Aramaic.
Eid al-Adha is pronounced Eid al-Azha and Eidul Azha, primarily in Iran and influenced by the Persian language, in the Indian subcontinent.
Origin
Eid al-Adha
According to Islamic tradition, one of the main trials of Abraham's life was to receive and obey the command of God to slaughter his beloved son, Ishmael. According to the narrative, Abraham kept having dreams that he was sacrificing his son. Abraham knew that this was a command from God. He told his son, as stated in the Quran,
O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I ˹must˺ sacrifice you. he replied, O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.
Abraham prepared to submit to the will of God and to slaughter his son as an act of faith and obedience to God. During the preparation, Iblis (Satan) tempted Abraham and his family by trying to dissuade them from carrying out God's commandment, and Abraham drove Iblis away by throwing pebbles at him. In commemoration of their rejection of Iblis, stones are thrown during Hajj rites at symbolic pillars, symbolising the place at which Iblis tried to dissuade Abraham.
Acknowledging that Abraham was willing to sacrifice what was dear to him, God honoured both Abraham and his son. The Angel Gabriel (Jibreel) proclaimed, "O Ibrahim, you have fulfilled the revelations," and a ram from heaven was offered by Angel Gabriel to prophet Abraham to slaughter instead of his son. Many Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha to commemorate both the devotion of Abraham and the survival of his son Ishmael.
This story is known as the Akedah in Judaism (Binding of Isaac) and originates in the Torah, in the first book of Moses (Genesis, Ch. 22). The Akedah is referred to in the Quran in its 37th surah, As-Saaffat.
The word "Eid" appears once in Al-Ma'ida, the fifth surah of the Quran, with the meaning "a festival or a feast".
Observances
Eid al-Adha
Eid prayer at the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan
When preceding Eid al-Adha and during the Eid and Tashreeq days, Muslims recite the takbir. Like on Eid al-Fitr, the Eid prayer is performed on Eid al-Adha any time after sunrise and before the Zuhr prayer. In the event of a force majeure, the prayer may be delayed to the day after or the second day after Eid. The Eid prayer is followed by a khutbah (sermon). At the conclusion of the prayers and sermon, Muslims embrace and exchange gifts and greetings with one another, such as the phrase Eid Mubarak. Many Muslims also take this opportunity to invite their friends, neighbours and colleagues to the festivities to better acquaint them about Islam and Muslim culture.
Arabic calligraphic fragment dated to the early 18th century displaying blessings for Eid al-Adha
Udhiyah
After the Eid prayer, udhiyah (ritual animal sacrifice) is performed. Muslims who can afford it sacrifice halal livestock, usually a camel, goat, sheep, or ram, as a symbol of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his only son. The animals have to meet certain age and quality standards to be considered for sacrifice. The meat from the sacrificed animal is generally divided into three parts: the family performing the udhiyah retains a third; while the remainder is equally divided between friends and relatives, and the poor.
The tradition for Eid al-Adha involves slaughtering an animal and sharing the meat in three equal parts – for family, for relatives and friends, and for poor people. The goal is to make sure every Muslim gets to eat meat. However, there is a dissent among Muslim scholars regarding the obligatory nature of this sacrifice. While some scholars, such as Al-Kasani, categorise the sacrifice as obligatory (wāǧib), others regard it only as an "established custom" (sunna mu'akkada). Alternatives such as charitable donations or fasting have been suggested to be permissible by several fuqaha.
Ma'amoul, a traditional Eid cookie in parts of the Muslim world
Muslims are expected to dress in their finest clothing to perform Eid prayer in a large congregation in an open waqf ("stopping") field called Eidgah or mosque. Cuisine traditionally associated with Eid al-Adha includes ma'amoul and samosas.
Cattle market for Eid al-Adha in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Traditions around the world
Bangladesh
National Eidgah's entrance decorated for Eid Prayer
Eid Ul Adha is commonly known as Korbanir Eid (Bengali: কোরবানির ঈদ) among Bengalis, which means the festival of Qurbani (sacrifice). Bangladesh sacrifices most animals per year during Eid Al Adha, estimates indicate about 13 million animals are sacrificed each year. Starting from the first day of Dhul-Hijjah, temporary cattle markets, known as haat begin to appear across Bangladesh. The animals are traditionally decorated with garlands. Many working people in Dhaka, go back to their hometowns to celebrate. Traditional Bengali meat dishes like Kala bhuna, Chui Jhal, Khasir Rezala and Qorma are eaten with pulao or rotis, traditionally made of rice flours, or pithas like chitoi and soi pitha. In Sylhet, Nunor Bora and Handesh are traditionally served as snacks during tea times or addas.
Pakistan
Around the world, different traditions are followed on Eid al-Adha. In Pakistan applying henna is a famous tradition amongst women. In Pakistan, children receive Eidi which is money and gifts given from elders.
Africa
In African nations, gifts are given among friends and family is invited to feasts. While the cultures are different, the key values of celebration remain the same. Those values are giving, feasts, family, and grant celebrations.
In the Gregorian calendar
Eid al-Adha
Conversion of Hijri years 1343 to 1500 to the Gregorian calendar, with first days of al-Muharram (brown), Ramadan (grey) and Shawwal (black) bolded, and Eid al-Adha dotted – in the SVG file, hover over a spot to show its dates and a line to show the month
While Eid al-Adha is always on the same day of the Islamic calendar, the date on the Gregorian calendar varies from year to year as the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar and the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar. The lunar calendar is approximately eleven days shorter than the solar calendar. Each year, Eid al-Adha (like other Islamic holidays) falls on one of about two to four Gregorian dates in parts of the world, because the boundary of crescent visibility is different from the International Date Line.
The following list shows the official dates of Eid al-Adha for Saudi Arabia as announced by the Supreme Judicial Council. Future dates are estimated according to the Umm al-Qura calendar of Saudi Arabia. The Umm al-Qura calendar is just a guide for planning purposes and not the absolute determinant or fixer of dates. Confirmations of actual dates by moon sighting are applied on the 29th day of the lunar month prior to Dhu al-Hijja to announce the specific dates for both Hajj rituals and the subsequent Eid festival. The three days after the listed date are also part of the festival. The time before the listed date the pilgrims visit Mount Arafat and descend from it after sunrise of the listed day.
In many countries, the start of any lunar Hijri month varies based on the observation of the new moon by local religious authorities, so the exact day of celebration varies by locality.