Eid ul Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice is one of the most important days of the Islamic calendar. The festival is also called Al Eid-Al-Kabeer or the Grand Eid. It has an important religious status as it lasts for four days whereas Eid-ul-Fitr is for one day only.
This festival is celebrated across the Muslim world as a commemoration of the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). It falls on the tenth day of Zul-Hajja which is the twelfth and the final month of the Islamic calendar.
Why do we celebrate Eid ul Adha?
When Allah (SWT) ordered Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his beloved son, the Prophet (AS) agreed without any hesitation. By the blessing of Allah, a lamb was sacrificed instead of Ibrahim (AS). Allah (SWT) loved this level of trust that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had on Him (SWT).
Muslims salute the courage of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his willingness. They sacrifice animals if they can afford to do so. The sacrificed meat is then divided in three shares:
- One is kept for person’s home
- One for their relatives
- One for the poor and underprivileged of the community
However, even though the process of sacrificing animals is the same, celebrations for Eid ul Adha across the world differ greatly. This is mainly because it is illegal to sacrifice animals on your own in many countries. Some countries have decided to create slaughterhouses for this purpose, while some countries do not provide any provisions at all.
Celebrations for Eid ul Adha in different countries
Here is a list of countries we will cover as we share how Eid al Adha will be celebrated across the globe:
- The UAE
- Pakistan
- Egypt
- Turkey
- Africa
- Indonesia
Essentially, Eid is an occasion of joy and peace. It is the day when people let go of previous grudges and make meaningful connections with one another. Around the world, Eid traditions and Eid ul Adha greetings may vary. This is because many countries have unique cultural approaches towards this important festival.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The UAE celebrates a public holiday on Eid al Adha for three to four days. Muslims in the UAE visit Eidgahs or communal prayer grounds. This is where prayers and a sermon are held. After wishing Eid Mubarak to everyone, people dress up in their festive best dresses and share sweet treats with their neighbors while giving Eidi to the young members of their families.
Although people in UAE can conduct sacrifices at their places, it is mandatory upon them to ensure cleanliness after the act. The government authorities emphasize over the importance of sacrificing animals properly to keep all diseases at bay. They urge people to register for a sacrifice in the public slaughterhouses. The livestock is checked for diseases here and the authorities also ensure proper transportation of meat.
Pakistan
In Pakistan, Eid ul Adha is a four-day celebration that people spend with utter devotion. Wishes for Eid ul Adha are sent after the Eid Salah and Eid al Adha sacrifice starts after that.
All shops are closed and people go by the day celebrating with their friends and family members. The meat of sacrificed animals is then distributed among friends, families, and poor people. After people are done with the ritual of sacrifice, they prepare an extravagant feast to enjoy with friends and family members. The next five days are then spent reciting Eid ul Adha takbeer repeatedly.
Egypt
Eid ul Adha is widely known as Eid-ul-Kabir in Egypt. This festival is celebrated with utter devotion in Egypt as Muslims cherish how Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was a brave father. Muslims across the country rise up early in the morning and head towards the local mosque for Salah.
After the prayer for Eid al Adha, Imam gives a sermon which is then followed by people meeting up with each other. They give the best of Eid ul Adha wishes to one another and use the following phrase to do so:
“kol sana wa inta tayeb”
This is roughly translated as the following statement: “I hope every year finds you well.”
All over the country, poor people look forward to this day. This is the time when they get and cook beef and mutton which is unaffordable for them. It is freely given to them by wealthy individuals and also by the charity organizations working across Egypt.
Turkey
When the auspicious day of Eid ul Adha rolls in the country, the male members of the family ensure that they abide by all the regulations imposed by Allah (SWT) for this day. They call out Eid ul Adha takbeer and send Eid al Adha greetings for friends and family members.
In Turkey, it is not allowed to sacrifice animals beyond the boundaries of slaughterhouses. They are constructed outside the larger cities as the government wants to make sure none of the diseases penetrate into the city.
However, while Turkish people are eager to visit friends and family members, most of them opt to donate money for charity organizations instead of sacrificing animals. This option is permissible in the country.
Africa
Eid ul Adha celebrations begin in Africa the same way it starts in other Muslim countries. People devote the days fasting for Eid al Adha and when the day arrives, they celebrate it in the best of ways.
It is a festive occasion for all and the best time to remember poor people of the community in your wealth. People sacrifice animals and donate a significant part of it for the poor people. Everyone deserves to be a part of the Eid al Adha celebration. African Muslims make sure that every member of the community can enjoy meaty festivities with their family members.
Indonesia
Celebrations of Eid ul Adha in Indonesia might remind you of Pakistan. People purchase sacrificial animals and sacrifice them on the streets. Much like Pakistan, the sacrifice turns into a communal event where friends and family members gather to watch and help when needed.
Eid ul Adha in Indonesia is completely different from Eid al Adha USA. There are many restrictions in the latter as the government wants people to keep sacrifices limited within the slaughterhouses.
Parting Notes
Qurbani is a religious obligation for every Muslim with a sound mind. Those with an adequate level of wealth are bound to sacrifice animals and commemorate Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Millions of families around the world will go hungry this Eid if we don’t celebrate it.
May Allah make this occasion a source of joy and reward for us. Aameen!
