What Is Eid Ul Adha?

This very important Muslim holiday is celebrated at the end of Hajj, which is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The ‘Festival of Sacrifice’ is followed by a ‘Feast of Sacrifice’, which pays homage to the Prophet Abraham’s(PBUH) unselfish act of sacrificing his son, Ishmael, to God. In turn, God spared the boy’s life and instead substituted a sheep. Now in remembrance, people sacrifice a lamb, goat, or other animal, and give the meat to family, friends, relatives, and most importantly, the poor.

Eid-Ul-Adha is a four-day holiday and celebration. It commences on the 10th day of Thul Hijjah and is celebrated in a manner similar to Eid-Ul-Fitr. It starts with a special holiday prayer, performed in congregation in the Masjid (Mosque) or other suitable place. It is a time of celebration, of visiting family and friends and of thanking ALLAH (Subhanahu wa ta'ala), for all the blessings bestowed upon us. Fasting is prohibited during these days.