Eid-ul-Adha: What you need to know about this festival
What's the story
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the most significant Islamic holidays observed by Muslims all over the world.
Eid-ul-Adha is a time of celebration, where Muslims not only deepen their relationship with Allah but also create solidarity, charity, and empathy within their communities.
Let us understand more about the festival and how it is different from Eid-ul-Fitr.
Timing
When does Eid-ul-Adha fall?
The day of Eid-ul-Adha varies every year.
On the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is when Eid-ul-Adha occurs.
Dates for Eid are always speculative because this calendar is based on actual moon sightings.
Dhu al-Hijjah begins when a waxing crescent moon is observed in the evening sky following the new moon phase.
How it is celebrated
How it is celebrated?
Most Muslims offer prayers in the morning when visiting mosques.
Spending time with loved ones, donning new attire, and giving gifts are typical celebration activities.
During the festival, people offer animal sacrifices every year. Devotees may offer the sacrifice of a goat, lamb, sheep, camel, bull, or cow, depending on the nation in which they reside and their religious beliefs.
History
History of Eid-ul-Adha
Eid-ul-Adha honors a deed the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) did to demonstrate his loyalty to Allah.
He was prepared to offer his son Ismail (Ishmael) as a sacrifice in response to Allah's command. Allah sent him a lamb as a gift for his devotion after observing him sacrifice Ismail's life.
The festival symbolizes and commemorates this ultimate act of devotion and obedience to Allah.
Difference
Why do we have two Eids each year?
The word 'Eid' means feast and it often confuses people about the distinction between Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.
While both are celebrated with the same zeal, it is acknowledged for different aspects of Islam.
The Islamic calendar uses a 12-month lunar cycle, therefore the dates of both Eids vary every year. However, Eid al-Adha always falls a little more than two months after Eid-ul-Fitr.
Eid-ul-Fitr significance
Significance of Eid-ul-Fitr
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the completion of Ramzan, the holy month of fasting and prayer, which includes seeking atonement for sins.
Muslims believe that Allah handed Prophet Muhammad the Qur'an during this month and assigned him the task of spreading his message.
The three-day Eid-ul-Fitr is often called the "Smaller Eid." Many view Eid al-Adha as the holier of the two Eids.