Eid ul-Adha Mubarak! The Feast of Sacrifice

Introduction

Eid Mubarak means “Blessed Celebration” in Arabic. This is a special time of year for Muslims to celebrate the completion of the Hajj. In most Muslim countries, it’s customary for children to dress up on this day as they greet their neighbors or go door-to-door collecting sweets from neighbors who may give them money as well. Eid ul-Adha is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of Hajj, an annual pilgrimage to Mecca. It is celebrated 10 days after the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month. A vast majority of Muslims around the world celebrate this holiday, and it is an official national holiday in many countries .

History

Eid ul-Adha isn’t just about celebration; it also has a very important religious meaning for Muslims. The name means “Feast of Sacrifice” and commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in accordance with God’s commands, before being stopped by God from carrying out the act at the last moment. On this day, Muslims are expected to give charity (zakat) as well as slaughter(Qurbani). 

Prominent Traditions Followed in Different Countries on Eid ul-Adha

Eid ul-Adha is celebrated throughout Muslim countries, in different exciting ways!

1. India 

In India, Eid ul-Adha is a very important day. It is celebrated for three consecutive days. On the eve of Eid ul-Adha, Muslims attend a congregational prayer called Arafah. The next day, Muslims wear their new clothes and women apply henna to their hands. On the second and third days of Eid ul-Adha, people exchange gifts, visit relatives and friends. Children also enjoy special gifts on this occasion. On these days, Muslim family members sit together for a luxurious feast after the morning prayer is over. 

2. Turkey 

Eid is a public holiday in Turkey; it starts three days before Eid ul-Adha (Kurban Bayramı). On the first two days, people dress up and visit their relatives and friends. However, on the day of Eid, most people go to the mosque for prayers. The celebrations last for four days but end with people visiting cemeteries to pray, light candles, and say farewell to their loved ones.

3. UAE 

The UAE observes two days of Eid ul-Adha celebrations. The first day is spent visiting friends and relatives, and the second day is spent at the mosque for prayers.

4. Bahrain 

Eid ul-Adha in Bahrain consists of visits to mosques for prayers on both Eid days, followed by spending time with family members. In addition, children receive gifts from their parents and grandparents to celebrate the occasion. 

5. Qatar 

In Qatar, the celebration is for two days, similar to how it’s observed in most other countries across the world. One day is spent visiting friends and relatives, and the second day is spent at a mosque with family members and friends to celebrate the occasion. 

6. Egypt 

In Egypt, Eid ul-Adha is split into two different days for celebration-Day 1 and Day 2. On day one, people usually visit their relatives and then go to Al-Hussein Mosque in Cairo for prayer services. On day two, people hang out with their families! 

7. Kuwait 

In Kuwait, Eid ul-Adha is observed for three days starting from the tenth day of Dhu Al-Hijjah, which is the 12th month in the Islamic Lunar Calendar. On this day, Muslims usually go out to pray at mosques and spend time with loved ones. On Day 2, people head to the mosque for Eid prayer services. Day 3 is spent at home with family and friends. 

8. Saudi Arabia 

In Saudi Arabia, Eid ul-Adha is observed for three days as it usually falls at the very end of the Islamic month of Dhu Al-Hijjah. The celebrations start on the tenth day of Dhu Al-Hijjah. Eid prayer services are observed, which are followed by a three-day vacation for public schools, universities, and offices. 

Some exciting Rituals

Sumptuous Meals! 

Muslims all across the globe pamper themselves and their families with mouth-watering, exquisite meals prepared on this special occasion like Eid. From the daybreak, people start preparing for food and it continues till dusk. Every family has special recipes that are meant to be served on this day only. Preparation begins by cleaning and decorating homes with colorful lights of different hues. 

A few must-try Eid delicacies: 

1. India, Pakistan – Sheer khurma, Biryani 

2. Turkey – Baklava, Kunafa 

3. Middle-east countries – Royal Danish Butter Cookies 

4. Iran, Iraq – Sohan Halwa 

Eidie for kids! 

Children receive some money from the elderly on Eid, which symbolizes generosity, happiness, love, familyhood, and compassion. When kids collect enough coins, they make it out on the town, spending all their eidie at their favorite activities and restaurants with their friends and family. Eid ul-Adha is a special occasion for families, especially when they reunite after being apart for so long. 

Day-out with the family! 

Eid ul-Adha is a great day to go out with your family and have a blast! It is that time of the year again when families have to go around distributing gifts, sweets, and blessings to neighbors and friends, so the whole family can do it together, making this day even more perfect. Some parents also prefer to make it out on trips to their kids’ favorite amusement parks, and restaurants. 

Final thoughts

Praying for your family’s success and understanding of each other is a common sentiment during this time. As we celebrate Eid ul Adha, let us also remember to pray that our families are successful in their endeavors and that they have the opportunity to understand one another better as well. Eid Mubarak to all!

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