Eid al-Adha

I am Eid al-Adha, and my name means the “Festival of the Sacrifice.” For Muslims around the world, I am one of the most important holidays of the year. My observance commemorates a significant story from the Quran, the holy book of Islam, about the great faith of a prophet named Ibrahim. In this sacred story, Ibrahim demonstrates his deep devotion by being willing to follow a command from God. Seeing Ibrahim's unwavering faith and obedience, God provides a ram to take the place of the sacrifice. This powerful story is remembered during my observance as a lesson about faith, the importance of obedience, and the boundless nature of God’s mercy.

My place on the calendar is guided by the moon. People observe me according to the Islamic calendar, which is a lunar calendar based on the phases of the Moon. My celebration officially begins on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic year. The festivities last for three to four days. Because the Islamic lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar-based Gregorian calendar that many people use, my dates shift each year. This means I travel through all the seasons over time, sometimes occurring in the summer, and other times in the winter, spring, or fall.

My timing is also deeply connected to a very important event in Islam: the Hajj. The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage that millions of Muslims make to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This journey is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a foundational duty for Muslims who are able to perform it. I begin on the day immediately following the most significant part of the pilgrimage, when the pilgrims gather to pray on a plain near a place called Mount Arafat. My arrival marks the conclusion of the Hajj, not just for the pilgrims in Mecca, but for Muslims all over the world who share in the spirit of this sacred time.

On the first morning of my observance, communities come together for a special prayer. This prayer is called Salat al-Eid, and it is a time of unity and reflection. To prepare for this moment, people often wear their very best clothes, which are sometimes new just for the occasion. They gather in large groups, either inside mosques or in large, open outdoor areas, to pray side-by-side. After the prayer is finished, a happy and festive mood spreads as people greet one another. They exchange warm wishes by saying “Eid Mubarak,” a traditional greeting that means “Blessed Eid.”

A central and meaningful tradition that takes place during my observance is the Qurbani, which means sacrifice. This act directly honors the story of Ibrahim and the ram that was provided as a mercy from God. Families who have the means to do so may sacrifice an animal, such as a sheep or a goat, following specific religious guidelines. The meat from this sacrifice is then carefully divided into three equal parts. One-third is kept for the family to eat. Another third is shared with relatives, friends, and neighbors. The final third is given as a donation to people who are poor or in need. This act of sharing ensures that every member of the community, regardless of their circumstances, can enjoy a special, festive meal.

For the several days that I am celebrated, I am a time of great joy, togetherness, and generosity. The air is filled with excitement as families and friends open their homes to one another, visiting and sharing delicious meals and sweet treats prepared for the occasion. It is also a special time for children, who often receive gifts of new clothes or money. This gift-giving tradition is known as 'Eidi.' My observance is a chance for people to express their gratitude for their blessings, to strengthen the bonds of their community, and to spread happiness and goodwill to everyone around them.