Eid al-Adha – Festival of Sacrifice
Eid al-Adha (also spelled Eid ul-Adha) is a Muslim holiday that revolves around the concept of sacrifice. The holiday’s name is Arabic and translates as Festival or Feast of Sacrifice. Eid al-Adha started yesterday, Wednesday June 28 at sundown and celebrated for a period of three to four days. It will end at sundown on Saturday July 1.
Introduced by the Prophet Muhammad during his lifetime, the observance is inspired by the story of the Prophet Ibrahim. According to the Quran, Ibrahim follows a command from Allah (God) to kill his son, Ismail. As Ibrahim prepares for the sacrifice, God replaces Ismail with a ram.
Muslims in the United States tend to celebrate Eid al-Adha with prayer. On the morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims typically assemble at the local mosque to pray together and hear a sermon. At the end of the service, people wish each other Eid Mubarak (Blessed Eid) and may exchange small gifts.
Later in the day, people usually meet with their family and friends to enjoy a festive meal together.
During the holiday, it is also common to donate money to charitable organizations that may distribute meat or provide other kinds of support to needy Muslim families at home or abroad.
More Information:
USAtoday Share What You Need To Know About Eid al-Adha
CBS Shares Photos of Eid al-Adha Celebrations Here and Abroad
May the blessings of Eid-al-Adha fill your life with happiness, peace, and prosperity.
June Simmons and Executive Staff
