Eid Al-Adha Mubarak

Eid al-Adha is the last of the two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year and considered the holier of the two. It honours the readiness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of abidance to God's command. But, before Ibrahim could sacrifice his son, God rendered a lamb to sacrifice instead. In commemoration of this intervention, an animal, usually, a sheep, is relinquished ritually. One-third of its meat is consumed by the family offering the sacrifice, while the rest is distributed to the poor and needy. Sweets and gifts are given, and extended family are generally visited and welcomed.

In the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and lasts for four days. In the international (Gregorian) calendar, the dates fluctuate from year to year shifting approximately 11 days earlier each year.

Every year, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha to remember Ibrahim's devotion and obedience to Allah above all others. And because of Ibrahim's actions, Eid al-Adha is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice. For Muslims who are performing Hajj (a pilgrimage) in Saudi Arabia, when Eid al-Adha begins they throw pebbles at three pillars in the city of Mina. This is where Muslims believe Ibrahim threw pebbles at the devil to drive him away. This year, with social distancing in place, the event is scaled back. Only about 1,000 pilgrims who inhabit in Saudi Arabia will be allowed to perform the Hajj and no overseas visitors are allowed.

One important tradition for Eid al-Adha is sacrificing an animal, like a cow or goat, and donating the meat to people who cannot afford it. Not all Muslims sacrifice an animal themselves. Some Muslims buy special meat from stores and donate that instead or they donate money to charities that give special meat to others. The act symbolises their willingness to give up a part of the Muslims bounties to enhance and preserve the web of the universe and help those in need. We recognise that all blessings come from God, and we should open their hearts and share with others. In many parts of the Muslim world, special livestock markets are set up for people to buy an animal for the Eid sacrifice. This year, amid the coronavirus pandemic, numerous apps and websites have appeared in countries such as India and Bangladesh, where animals will be sold online to limit exposure to the virus.

The animal sacrifice comes with an element of charity, as the person paying for the sacrifice is required to distribute part of it to others. The meat of the sacrificed animal is divided into three groups: the person sacrificing it and their immediate family, extended family and friends, and those in need. Some Muslims will pay the value of an animal to one of a number of Muslim charities around the world that collect funds for remote animal sacrifices, distributing the meat to underprivileged groups - including refugees, the elderly and disabled people.