The second significant religious festival of Islam, Eid al-Adha, will begin on the evening of Monday, 19 July this year.
The first of the two observances is Eid al-Fitr, which was observed in May to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
“Eid al-Adha is one of two Eids, or days of celebration for Muslims worldwide, in a year,” a spokesperson for the Muslim Council of Britain tells The Independent.
They explain that the festival coincides with the completion of Hajj, “which millions of people partake in every year”.
However, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, Hajj commenced much fewer pilgrims than the usual 2.5 million people who usually attend. This year, just 60,000 of Saudia Araba’s own citizens and residents have been allowed to take part.
Known as the “festival of sacrifice”, Eid al-Adha commemorates the prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son in order to demonstrate his dedication to God.
Here is everything you need to know about Eid al-Adha:
What is its significance?
During the festival of Eid al-Adha, Muslims acknowledge the devotion of Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son, Ismail, under the order of Allah SWT (God).
Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Show all 40 1 /40 Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Muslim pilgrims throw stones towards the symbolic devil represented by a Jamarat (Burning Coal) on the last day of the Muslims Hajj 2018 pilgrimage in the tent City of Mina near Mecca, Saudi Arabia EPA Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world People at a fairground set up celebrate Eid Al-Adha in Burgess Park, south London REUTERS Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Ivorian Muslims pray during the first day of the Muslim festival of Eid-al- Adha in Abidjan EPA Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world People take a selfie during Eid-El-Kabir festival in Dakar AFP/Getty Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Girls pose with a frame decorated with holiday wishes after Eid al-Adha prayers, held in a sports hall in Bucharest, Romania AP Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world A Palestinian man throws his child in the air following morning prayers marking the first day of Eid al-Adha celebrations Reuters Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Jamil, eight months-old, lies on the floor during Eid al-Adha prayers, held in a sports hall in Bucharest, Romania AP Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world A Muslim pilgrim arrives to throw stones towards the symbolic devil represented by a Jamarat EPA Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Muslim pilgrims head to take part in the symbolic stoning of the devil at the Jamarat Bridge in Mina, near Mecca AFP/Getty Images Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Families enjoy rides on the dodgems during an Eid in the Park celebration at the New River Sports ground in Wood Green, London Getty Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Ivorian Muslims pray during the first day of the Muslim festival of Eid-al- Adha in Abidjan EPA Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Muslims attend a morning prayer at the industrial wasteland of Parco Dora in Turin AFP/Getty Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world A boy cast stones at the huge stone pillar in the symbolic stoning of the devil during the annual Haj pilgrimage on the first day of Eid al-Adha in Mina, outside the holy city of Mecca AP Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Members of Naples’ muslim community gather at Garibaldi Square EPA Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world A Syrian boy, dressed in his holiday outfit, prays over the tomb of a loved one AFP/Getty Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Men prepare to eat during Eid al-Adha celebrations in the village of Kok-Jare outside Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan EPA Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Palestinians attend prayer on the first day of Eid al Adha in Gaza City EPA Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world A man attends a Muslim morning prayer gathering at the industrial wasteland of Parco Dora in Turin AFP/Getty Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Cairo, Egypt Muslims try to catch balloons distributed for free after Eid al-Adha prayers outside al-Seddik mosque in Cairo, Egypt, Tuesday, August 21. AP Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Afghans greet each other after congregational prayers during the holy festival of Eid al-Adha, in Kabul EPA Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world A man distributes sweets to children after Eid al-Adha prayer at King Abdul Aziz Mosque, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Kosovo boys pray to mark the first day of Eid al-Adha outside the Sultan Mehmet Fatih mosque in Pristina AP Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world A child holds up a selfie stick before morning prayers in Quezon City, Philippines EPA Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Muslim Hajj pigrims pray around the holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque on the first day of Eid al Adha in Mecca EPA Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Palestinians attend prayer on the first day of Eid al Adha in Gaza City EPA Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Palestinians attend prayer on the first day of Eid al Adha in Gaza City EPA Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world A clown distributes balloons near the Dome of the Rock at al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s old city on the first day of Eid al-Adha AFP/Getty Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world A young Palestinian girl flies a helium balloon near the Dome of the Rock at al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s old city AFP/Getty Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Women and children conduct morning prayers to mark Eid al-Adha at a public park in Quezon City, Philippines EPA Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Muslim Hajj pigrims pray around the holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque on the first day of Eid al Adha in Mecca EPA Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Men hug each other after offering Eid al-Adha prayers outside of the Shah-e-Dushamshera mosque in Kabul AP Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Children dressed in their holiday clothes play on a swing in the opposition-held southern Syrian city of Daraa on the first day of Eid al-Adha AFP/Getty Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Bamako, Mali Malian women have their hair cut and styled in a salon, on the eve of Eid al-Adha in Bamako on August 20, 2018. AFP/Getty Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Almaty, Kazakhstan A man squats as he carries a sheep during a competition to mark Kurban-Ait, also known as Eid al-Adha, at the Central Mosque in Almaty, Kazakhstan August 21, 2018. Reuters Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Nairobi, Kenya Muslims attend prayers to mark Kurban-Ait, also known as Eid al-Adha, at an open field in Nairobi, Kenya August 21, 2018. Reuters Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Kavaja, Albania Albanian Muslims pray in the main square of Kavaja on August 21, 2018, to mark the first day of the Eid al-Adha Festival. AFP/Getty Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Gaza City Palestinian women take a selfie while waiting for for prayers on the first day of Eid al-Adha festival, in Gaza City August 21, 2018. Reuters Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Muscat, Oman Muslim men take part in the morning prayers outside a mosque in the Omani capital Muscat on the first day of Eid al-Adha on August 21, 2018. AFP/Getty Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Pristina, Kosovo Kosovo men pray to mark the first day of Eid al-Adha outside the Sultan Mehmet Fatih mosque in Pristina, Kosovo, Tuesday, August 21, 2018. AP Eid al-Adha celebrations around the world Beirut, Lebanon Muslims perform the Eid al-Adha prayer outside Al Ameen Mosque in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, 21 August 2018 EPA
Ibrahim, also known as Abraham, is a prominent figure in Islam, Judaism and Christianity.
“This story in different versions is in the Quran, the Bible, and the Old Testament, which shows the common heritage of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam,” states the United Religions Initiative.
According to the Quran – the sacred religious book of Islam – just as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, God replaced Ismail with a lamb, which was sacrificed instead.
“This command from Allah SWT was a test of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness and commitment to obey his Lord’s command, without question. Therefore, Eid al-Adha means the festival of sacrifice,” states UK-based charity Muslim Aid.
What is the difference between Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Adha and Eid-al-Fitr are the two major religious festivals observed in the religion of Islam.
Eid al-Fitr, which was celebrated in May in countries across the world, translates in Arabic to mean “the feast of the breaking of the fast”.
The festival marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month which involves Muslims fasting during daylight hours for 29 to 30 days.
Eid al-Adha coincides with Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia.
In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Show all 19 1 /19 In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat (or the Mount of Mercy), where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have delivered his final sermon Reuters In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj A Muslim pilgrim prays as another takes a photo on the Mount Arafat AP In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims arrive at the plains of Arafat Reuters In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims arrive at the plains of Arafat AP In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Mount Arafat during the Hajj EPA In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat (or Jabal ar-Rahmah) during the Hajj AP In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims pray by the Namira Mosque on the plains of Arafat during Hajj Reuters In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims pray by the Namira Mosque on the plains of Arafat during Hajj Reuters In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat (or the Mount of Mercy) during the Hajj AFP/Getty In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj A Muslim pilgrim wheels his children on a wheelchair towards Mount Arafat AP In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Pilgrims circle the Kaaba as they pray in the Grand Mosque of Mecca ahead of the Hajj AP In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims arrive at the plains of Arafat Reuters In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat (or Jabal ar-Rahmah) during the Hajj EPA In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat (or the Mount of Mercy) during the Hajj AFP/Getty In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims shelter from the sun under a bridge near Mecca EPA In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims walk towards Namirah mosque on Mount Arafat during the Hajj AP In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat (or Jabal ar-Rahmah) during the Hajj AFP/Getty In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat (or the Mount of Mercy) during the Hajj AFP/Getty In pictures: Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat for Hajj Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat (or Jabal ar-Rahmah) during the Hajj AFP/Getty
When is it?
This year, Eid al-Adha begins on the evening of Monday 19 July and ends on the evening of Friday 23 July.
How is the date of Eid al-Adha decided?
The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, meaning the dates of annual events may vary on an annual basis in accordance with the phases of the moon.
Eid al-Adha takes places on the 10th day of the final month of the Islamic calendar, Dhu al-Hijjah.
Dhu al-Hijjah is the 12th and most sacred month of the Islamic year, during which observant Muslims travel to Mecca for Hajj.
All able-bodied adults of the Islamic faith are expected to complete Hajj at least once in their lifetimes.
How is the festival celebrated?
As Eid al-Adha commemorates the sacrifice made by the prophet Ibrahim, Muslims typically celebrate the festival by carrying out a Qurbani, meaning “sacrifice” in Arabic.
The animal that is sacrificed – which is usually a goat, sheep, cow or camel – is separated into three parts.
“At least one third of the meat from the animal must go to poor or vulnerable people,” states international aid organisation Islamic Relief.
“Traditionally, a Muslim would keep one third of the meat for their family and give the final third to their neighbours.”
During the morning of Eid al-Adha, a special prayer called Salat al-Eid is recited in honour of the festival, ahead of the Dhuhr prayer at noon.
Muslims traditionally dress in fine clothes in celebration of Eid al-Adha, in addition to exchanging gifts.
Eidi is the Arabic word for a gift given to children by relatives during Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr.
What food is eaten during Eid al-Adha?
While Eid al-Fitr is known as “sweet Eid”, Eid al-Adha is contrarily known as “salty Eid”.
As such, the food eaten during the second festival is predominantly savoury, including the animal which is sacrificed during the observance.
Arabian pastries called Ma’amoul are also eaten during both Eid festivals, as well as at night during the holy month of Ramadan.
Ma’amoul are made using ingredients including dates and nuts, and are often served in a ball or cookie shape.
How do you wish someone a happy Eid?
The phrase widely used to wish someone a happy Eid during Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr is Eid Mubarak.
In Arabic, this phrase translates to mean “Blessed Eid”.
