Eid-Ul-Adha

Submitted by Faisal Malik, Diversity Commission Student Rep.

The date is the 10th of the month Dhul HIjja, or better known as the last of the 12 months of the Islamic calendar.  This day in Islam is termed Eid-ul-Adha, or the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’. It is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims all over the world. It is a time to celebrate in what Muslims believe was the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience of God. Ishmael was believed to have been saved by God, and instead a ram was substituted in his place.

Eid-ul-Adha falls immediately after conducting the Hajj, or the pilgrimage to the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Every year about three million Muslims from all corners of the world centralize in Mecca to perform what is known as the Hajj. It is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world, and constitutes the fifth pillar of Islam. The Hajj must be performed by every Muslim once in their lifetime, provided they have the physical and financial ability to do so.

In South Asian countries, festivities begin on the night before Eid, known as the chand raat or the night of the moon, in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Females, particularly younger girls, decorate their palms with henna (mehndi) and dance to traditional music, while cooking for the feasts for the next three days.

The day of Eid begins early in the morning, when Muslims prepare for prayer, which usually commences around 9am. Muslims are expected to dress their finest, and perform the Eid prayer at a nearby mosque. After the prayer the day is followed by the sacrifice of a domestic animal, such as a sheep, a goat or a cow; which symbolizes Ibrahim’s sacrifice.

The meat that is obtained from the sacrifice is then divided into three shares: the first is distributed to the poor and needy; the second is distributed to neighbors, friends and relatives; and the third is kept for personal use. Charitable donations are also encouraged to be made on this day. The remainder of the festivities involve socializing with friends and family, and offering presents.