Start of four-day Muslim festival of sacrifice. Eid-ul-Adha is the second Eid festival of the calendar year This festival commemorates the willingness of Abraham to obey God by sacrificing his beloved son Ishmael – in the end God gave Abraham a sheep to sacrifice instead. As they celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, Muslims remind themselves of their own obedience to God and willingness to sacrifice anything to His wishes. Traditions include:
- Sacrificing a sheep or a goat and sharing the meat with family, friends and the poor
- Prayers at the mosque, thanking God for blessings received over the year
- Visiting family and friends, sharing food and offering presents
- Giving money to charity.
Eid-ul-Adha immediately follows the period of the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca that all Muslims must make at least once in their lifetime if they are able.
This is another opportunity to recognise the importance of this celebration with Muslim students at the same time as introducing Eid-al-Adha to other members of your class. A good route into this is to read the story of Abraham this day primarily refers to. Students may notice that the same story occurs in the Torah and in the Old Testament. Use this to show the shared cultural origins of these three ‘Abrahamic’ religions, their collective belief in the life of Abraham and his interactions with God. Engage students by asking them what they think the story means, what values is it trying to show? Encourage students from different backgrounds to suggest answers.
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What date is Eid-ul-Adha qurbani Eid 2023?
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as “Qurbani Eid,” is based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which follows the sighting of the moon. Therefore, the exact date of Eid-ul-Adha can vary depending on the sighting of the moon in different regions. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, I cannot provide the specific date for Eid-ul-Adha in 2023. I recommend consulting an Islamic calendar or contacting local authorities or Islamic organizations closer to the date for the accurate information on Eid-ul-Adha in 2023. Africa Day 2023 | Africa Day Message
What is Eid al-Adha and why is it celebrated?
Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the most significant religious holidays observed by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. However, at the last moment, God intervened and provided a ram as a substitute for the sacrifice.
Eid al-Adha is celebrated annually on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, following the completion of Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). The exact date of the holiday is determined by the sighting of the moon. Pride Month 2023
The celebration of Eid al-Adha involves several key practices and rituals. Muslims typically gather in congregational prayers at mosques or open prayer grounds. The sermon during the prayer emphasizes the importance of faith, obedience, and sacrifice. Following the prayer, Muslims engage in various activities, including visiting family and friends, exchanging greetings and gifts, and feasting on special meals.
One central aspect of Eid al-Adha is the act of sacrificing an animal, such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. This act symbolizes Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son and signifies Muslims’ willingness to make sacrifices in their own lives to please God. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one for the individual or family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the less fortunate.
Eid al-Adha serves as a reminder for Muslims of the values of faith, obedience, and selflessness. It is a time of joy, gratitude, and sharing with others, particularly those in need. The Big Lunch | The Big Lunch Coronation 2023
What do Muslims do on Eid-ul-Adha?
On Eid-ul-Adha, Muslims engage in various activities to celebrate the holiday. Here are some common practices and traditions observed on Eid-ul-Adha:
- Morning Prayers: Muslims start the day by attending special congregational prayers held at mosques or designated prayer grounds. These prayers are known as Eid prayers or Salat al-Eid. The prayers are typically led by an imam and include specific supplications and sermon.
- Greetings: After the prayers, Muslims exchange greetings of “Eid Mubarak” or “Blessed Eid” with one another. It is customary to hug or shake hands and wish each other well.
- Dressing Up: Muslims dress in their finest attire on Eid-ul-Adha as a way to show respect for the occasion. It is common for people to wear new clothes or traditional outfits.
- Slaughtering Animals: One significant aspect of Eid-ul-Adha is the act of sacrificing an animal, such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. The animal is slaughtered according to Islamic principles, following the example of Prophet Ibrahim. The meat is then distributed among family, friends, and those in need.
- Feast and Celebratory Meals: Following the sacrifice, Muslims often partake in festive meals and feasts with family and friends. These meals include special dishes and traditional foods, and they provide an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate.
- Visiting and Socializing: Eid-ul-Adha is a time for Muslims to visit family, friends, and neighbors. People often make an effort to reconnect with loved ones, exchange gifts, and share meals together.
- Acts of Charity: Giving to those in need is an essential aspect of Eid-ul-Adha. Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of charity and generosity by donating money, food, or other resources to help the less fortunate.
- Reflecting and Remembrance: Eid-ul-Adha is a time for Muslims to reflect on the significance of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience and sacrifice. It is a reminder of the values of faith, devotion, and selflessness.
Overall, Eid-ul-Adha is a joyous and festive occasion that brings together family, friends, and the community. It serves as a time of celebration, gratitude, and acts of worship and charity. World Environment Day | World Environment Day Theme 2023, Quotes
What are the five pillars of Islam?
The Five Pillars of Islam are the core principles and practices that serve as the foundation of Muslim faith and worship. They are as follows:
- Shahada (Faith): The Shahada is the declaration of faith in Islam. It involves bearing witness and proclaiming that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah (God), and that Muhammad is the final messenger of Allah. By reciting the Shahada sincerely, a person becomes a Muslim.
- Salah (Prayer): Salah refers to the ritual prayer performed by Muslims five times a day. These prayers are observed at specific times, namely Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (midday), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night). Muslims face the Kaaba in Mecca during their prayers and engage in recitations, bowing, and prostration.
- Zakat (Charity): Zakat is the obligatory giving of a portion of one’s wealth to help the poor and needy. Muslims are required to donate a specific amount (usually 2.5% of their annual accumulated wealth) to support various causes and assist those less fortunate. Zakat is seen as a purification of one’s wealth and a means of social solidarity.
- Sawm (Fasting): Sawm refers to the observance of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. From dawn until sunset, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs as an act of worship and self-discipline. Fasting is seen as a way to attain spiritual reflection, self-control, and empathy for those who are less privileged.
- Hajj (Pilgrimage): Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim is obligated to undertake at least once in their lifetime. During Hajj, pilgrims perform specific rituals and reenact the actions of Prophet Ibrahim and his family. The pilgrimage serves as a symbol of unity, equality, and submission to God. World Oceans Day | World Oceans Day theme 2023 | Quotes
These Five Pillars of Islam provide a framework for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations and strengthen their relationship with Allah, their fellow Muslims, and the wider community.
What is the animal sacrifice for Eid al-Adha?
The animal sacrifice performed during Eid al-Adha is known as Qurbani or Udhiyah. It involves the sacrifice of specific animals, including sheep, goats, cows, or camels. These animals are selected based on certain criteria, including age, health, and adherence to Islamic guidelines.
The act of sacrificing an animal during Eid al-Adha is a symbolic reenactment of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, as an act of obedience to God’s command. Just as God intervened and provided a ram as a substitute for Prophet Ibrahim’s son, Muslims sacrifice an animal to demonstrate their devotion and willingness to make sacrifices in the path of God.
After the animal is sacrificed, the meat is divided into three parts: one part is kept for personal or family consumption, one part is shared with relatives and friends, and the remaining part is distributed to the less fortunate and those in need. This distribution of meat promotes the spirit of sharing, compassion, and generosity during the festive occasion.
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