Eid al Adha

Eid al-Adha History

Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى), also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant Islamic observances. Celebrated by Muslims around the world, it honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Isma'il (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah's command. This act of devotion ultimately displayed the depth of Ibrahim's faith, as Allah intervened and provided a ram for the sacrifice instead. The observance serves as a time for Muslims to reflect on their own willingness to submit to God's will and to demonstrate their gratitude for the blessings in their lives.

The origins of Eid al-Adha date back to the time of Ibrahim and his wife Hajar (Hagar). Their story of faith, commitment, and obedience, as documented in the Islamic holy book the Quran, resonates with Muslims around the world, including those living in America. This important holiday highlights the shared history and common values connecting Muslims of diverse national and cultural backgrounds. Many people use this time to reaffirm their commitment to their faith, charitable giving, and support for those less fortunate despite distances and differences.

Muslims in America observe Eid al-Adha through prayer gatherings in mosques and community centers across the country, and by spending time with family and friends. A significant aspect of the celebration involves the sacrifice of an animal, typically a goat or sheep, with a portion of the meat distributed to the needy. Alternatively, some American Muslims choose to donate to charities that provide food to those in need. Eid al-Adha is observed on the 10th day of the lunar-based Islamic calendar's month of Dhul Hijjah, which varies in relation to the Gregorian calendar. This means that the specific date of the celebration may vary each year in America, depending on the sighting of the moon.

Facts about Eid al-Adha

• Unlike regular prayers, prayers for Eid al-Adha takes place in any large, open field. There Muslims from many mosques congregate together. Usually, mosques collaborate together to find a field that is convenient for everyone to go to. In the United States, Eid prayers often occur in parks.
• Festivities begin with a prayer service, followed by a brief sermon on the morning of the first day. During the prayer, Muslims recite verses from the Quran, lead by an Imam, prostrate to God, and send their peace to Muhammad and Abraham.
• Since this festival occurs immediately after the Day of Arafah, many of those who go to pilgrimage celebrate it in Mina (Saudi Arabia), where thousands of animals are slaughtered for sacrifice.
• It is customary for Muslims perform a ritual body washing shower, called "ghusl," before walking to the place of prayers. This is in accordance with the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad.

In the News and Trending in the US for Eid al Adha

Top things to do in the US for Eid al-Adha

• Often, a large party is thrown by Muslims on one of the three days of Eid al-Adha. Meat from slaughtered animals is served.
• It is Islamic tradition to wear your most beautiful clothes on the first day of Eid al-Adha. A few days before Eid al-Adha, Muslims shop for their new Eid clothes. Merchants in Islamic countries often hold their biggest sales before Eid al-Adha.
• It is customary for Muslim men who have lost loved ones visit graveyards on Eid al-Adha.
• On this day, as part of the Hajj, pilgrims in Mina begin to cast stones at three walls representing the devil. The stones are thrown in a specific order. The ritual must be done the following two days as well, or three if the pilgrim stays for that long. This is a re-enactment of when the devil appeared before Abraham three times during his pilgrimage.