Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha
source
Name	Eid al-Adha
Type	Islamic
Longtype	Religious, cultural
Caption	The Kaaba in Mecca during the Hajj, the pilgrimage closely associated with the festival.
Observedby	Muslims and Druze
Significance	Commemoration of the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God; conclusion of the Hajj.
Date	10 Dhu al-Hijjah
Date2024	Evening of June 16 – evening of June 17
Duration	4 days
Frequency	Annual
Relatedto	Hajj, Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Adha. Known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," it is the second of the two major Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year. The occasion honors the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, before God provided a ram to sacrifice instead. It also marks the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.

Etymology and significance

The name derives from the Arabic phrase meaning "Festival of the Sacrifice," directly referencing the central ritual of the observance. Its profound religious significance is rooted in the Quranic narrative in Surah As-Saffat, which recounts the test of Ibrahim and his unwavering submission to the command of Allah. This story, also found in the Torah and the Bible, is a cornerstone of Abrahamic religions. The festival symbolizes themes of faith, devotion, and divine mercy, and its timing is intrinsically linked to the rites performed during the Hajj at Mina near Mecca.

Observances and practices

The primary ritual is the sacrifice of a livestock animal, such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, performed after the special congregational Eid prayer. The prayer is held in mosques or large open areas like Eidgah grounds, often led by prominent imams. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy, emphasizing charity and community. Muslims wear their best clothes, exchange greetings like "Eid Mubarak," visit family, and give gifts. In many regions, heads of state, such as the King of Jordan or the President of Indonesia, perform public sacrifices.

Timing and duration

The festival begins on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. Because this calendar is lunar, the Gregorian date shifts approximately 10-11 days earlier each year. The celebration lasts for four days, extending through the Days of Tashreeq (the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah). The exact commencement is contingent upon the lunar sighting, leading to announcements by official moon-sighting committees in nations like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey.

Historical and religious background

The festival's origin is the divine command to Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, as a test of faith. This pivotal event is commemorated by pilgrims during the Hajj at the site of Jamarat in Mina, where they perform the Ramy al-Jamarat ritual. The practice of sacrifice itself is deeply embedded in Islamic tradition, linked to the completion of Hajj rites and the actions of the Prophet Muhammad after his Farewell Pilgrimage. The Fifth Pillar of Islam, Hajj, concludes with this Eid, creating a direct historical and theological connection between the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia and global celebrations.

Cultural variations

While the core religious rites are universal, cultural expressions vary significantly across the Muslim world. In South Asia, particularly in India and Bangladesh, the day is often called Bakrid, and festivities include elaborate family feasts and the preparation of special dishes like biryani. In Turkey, it is known as Kurban Bayramı and is a major national holiday involving travel to hometowns. Across Southeast Asia, in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, open houses ("rumah terbuka") are common. In West Africa, nations such as Nigeria and Senegal celebrate with vibrant communal gatherings and music. The Druze community also observes the day, though with distinct theological interpretations.