Eid Al Adha 2016
The Islamic holiday, Eid Al Adha, will fall on September 12th this year and end on September 13th. It is observed annually on the tenth day of Dhu Al-Hijja and is celebrated by Muslims all across the world. Ā Eid Al Adha, also known as ‘Greater Eid’, is considered the holiest day of the Islamic calendar. It translates to ‘Feast of the Sacrifice’ and marks Ibrahim’s willingness to accept the command of Allah and to sacrifice his only son, Ismail. An animal sacrifice symbolizes Ibrahim’s sacrifice.
Eid Al Adha around the World
The date of Eid Al Adha varies in accordance with the Islamic lunar calendar, and differs geographically. Although there are very traditional customs that remain unchanged, there are also certain festivities that vary from region to region.
- In Egypt, Eid Al Kbir is the more commonly name used for Eid Al Adha. The day starts with the Eid prayer shortly after dawn, followed by a sermon. Later, Muslim Egyptians gather with their friends and family for festivities and to feast. These traditions also apply to the non-predominantly Muslim regions in Europe and the U.S.
- In Pakistan, the holiday religious is four days and all shops are closed during these days. In the morning, people spend most of their times on praying followed by performing Qurbani festivities in the evening and afternoon.
- Pieces of meat are arranged on the floor before being distributed to people during celebrations in Banda Aceh, Indonesia
- In Palestine, Muslims men go to the Al-Aqsa Mosque at Jerusalem’s old city in the morning to do their prayers and women sit in the public gardens.
- In Saudi Arabia, Muslims from around the world visit KSA to do a pilgrimage. The pilgrimage ritual takes 5 days and is called ‘Hajjs’.
Some traditions may vary across Muslim regions for celebrating Eid, but the Udheya and the sermon are common amongst them as Islamic traditions. Inshallah we will celebrate Eid with our loved ones!
GPI would like to wish all Muslims across the world “Eid Mubarak”!