Months after a wonderful celebration of Eid al Fitir, comes the most revered Eid of all, Eid al Adha. While the delicious feasts are in order, it’s also important to revisit some facts about this holiday. Read on to know more about the festival of sacrifice.
The Basics: What is Eid al Adha?
The festival of sacrifice or Eid al Adha is referred to as the Greater Eid, and is the celebration of the sacrifice Abraham was willing to make to God. It marks the end of the hajj pilgrimage taking place on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the most sacred month of the Islamic calander.
The Highlight of Eid al Adha: Qurban
1.6 billion Muslims around the world commemorate this holiday by slaughtering an animal, usually a sheep or a goat, to remember the sacrifice of Abraham. This is therefore known as Qurban. The meat is shared among family and friends as well as underprivileged members of the society.
Hari Raya Aidiladha, Eid-ul-Azha and Idu’z Zuha: The many names of Eid
In different countries, Eid al- Adha is known in many different ways. To mention some, Tabaski in West Africa, Eid-ul-Azha in Bangladesh, Hari Raya Aidiladha in Southeast Asia, Idu’z Zuha in India.
Eid al Adha: salty Eid?
Contrary to Eid al Fitir where the spread mostly consists of sweets, Eid al Adha is filled with salty and seasoned dishes, thus referred to as the salty Eid. That doesn’t mean there will be no sweets involved. Traditional desserts are also the part of dining during this Eid.
Eidi: new cloths and some money
Just like Eid al Fitir, children look forward to Eid al Adha because parents take them shopping for new cloths to be worn during the holiday. Not only that, relatives often hand out money, called eidi or eidia, to children as a symbol of good wishes.
Eid Prayer: an obligation for many
Again, Eid prayers are crucial part of the two holidays. Numerous people gather in mosques or large public areas called Eidgah to perform the obligatory Eid prayer.
A feast of three days
Eid al Adha is celebrated for three consecutive days in most countries. While the first day of Eid is where most of the traditions take place, people visit friends and relatives to wish them a happy Eid al Adha during the remaining days. Families rest and rejoice for three days before normal activities resume.
Eid Mubarak!
Written By: Bisrat Atalay Tasew
Sources: http://aglobalworld.com/holidays-around-the-world/eid-al-adha-muslims/
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