Eid al-Adha: What It Is And Traditions to Follow

by Ashas Bukhari

Eid al-Adha: What It Is And Traditions to Follow

6 Jun 2024

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the two major Islamic festivals, the other being Eid al-Fitr. It marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage rites in Minā, near Makkah, but is celebrated by Muslims worldwide. With Eid around the corner, join The Sandy Times as we explore the rich traditions, historical significance, and various customs associated with one of Islam’s and the Muslim world’s holiest festivals.

Historical Significance

Known as the Greater Eid, or festival, Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) in obedience to God’s command. This event is reminiscent of the Judeo-Christian tradition, where Abraham is willing to sacrifice his son Isaac. However, in the Islamic tradition, God intervenes and provides a pair of white rams to sacrifice instead of Ismail. This profound act of faith and submission to divine will is the cornerstone of Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Adha literally means the Festival of Sacrifice.

Key Traditions and Practices

Communal Prayers

Eid al-Adha begins on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and continues for three additional days. The festivities start with communal prayers (ṣalāt) at daybreak on the first day. These prayers, offered in large congregations, are a unifying spiritual practice that emphasises the communal aspect of the festival.

Photo: Nina Zeynep Güler

Animal Sacrifice (Qurbani)

One of the central practices of Eid al-Adha is the ritual sacrifice of an animal, usually a sheep, goat, camel, or cow. This act symbolises Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's command. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one part for the family, one part for friends and neighbours, and one part for the poor and needy. This distribution underscores the themes of charity and community support inherent in the festival, highlighting the spirit of sharing and generosity that defines Eid al-Adha.

Eid al-Adha stands out as one of the largest charitable events globally, with millions of Muslims partaking in the profound act of giving. The scale of this generosity is immense, as it spans continents and cultures, transforming Eid al-Adha into a powerful global movement of compassion and solidarity. The festival's ritual sacrifice, known as Qurbani, mandates that a significant portion of the meat is given to the less fortunate, ensuring that even the most vulnerable members of society share in the festive abundance. This widespread distribution not only commemorates a pivotal moment of faith but also reinforces the importance of charity, making Eid al-Adha a cornerstone event in the humanitarian calendar.

Ablution and Dress

On the first day of Eid, Muslims perform a ritual ablution and wear their best clothes, often new or freshly cleaned, to present themselves in the best possible manner for the prayers and festivities. This act of purification and preparation is a way of honouring the sacredness of the occasion.

Visiting and Gift-Giving

Eid al-Adha is a time for visiting friends and family and exchanging gifts. These visits strengthen social bonds and reinforce community ties. The exchange of gifts and festive greetings, such as "Eid Mubarak," fosters a spirit of joy and generosity.

If you are looking for fun gifts for children, or just treating your inner child this Eid, consider this 30cm Pikachu figurine by Leblon Delienne. This adorable little Pokemon will make the perfect paperweight and liven up any desk.

You can also choose something more practical: like Hermès Pre-Owned 2002 Kelly Doll mini bag or these Gucci sunglasses.

Eid al-Adha in Modern Times

In many parts of the world, including the UAE, Eid al-Adha is marked by public holidays, allowing Muslims to participate fully in the celebrations.

Public Festivities

Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi come alive with public celebrations including fireworks, concerts, and other entertainment events. Malls and public spaces host special events and activities for families and children. Amazon in the UAE for example, is going to be having an Eid Sale, with select items up to 50% off.

Staycations and Leisure Activities

Many families take advantage of the public holidays to go on staycations. Hotels offer special deals, and people indulge in various leisure activities such as shopping, dining out, and watching movies.

Photo: Ameer K i

Charity and Donations

Charity is a significant aspect of Eid al-Adha. In addition to distributing meat from the Qurbani, Muslims often participate in donation drives and other charitable activities to help those in need. Organisations like Muslim Aid facilitate these efforts, ensuring that contributions reach the most vulnerable.

Traditional Attire and Customs

Men’s Attire in the UAE

Traditionally, men wear a Kandoora, a long robe often white, or dye an existing one using walnut oil and cardamom. This practice maintains cultural heritage while celebrating the festival.

Women’s Attire and Henna

Women dress in special Eid clothes and adorn their hair with perfumes and braids. Applying henna to hands is a cherished tradition among women and girls, adding to the festive spirit.

Children’s Celebrations

Children receive new clothes and small gifts, participate in traditional games, and enjoy singing and dancing, making the holiday memorable and joyous for the younger generation.

Eid al-Adha is a festival rich in history, faith, and communal spirit. Its traditions and practices reflect the deep significance of sacrifice, charity, and social cohesion in Islam. From the ritual prayers and animal sacrifice to the vibrant public celebrations and acts of charity, Eid al-Adha is a time of reflection, joy, and togetherness for Muslims around the world.

by Ashas Bukhari