Muslim holidays: Eid al-Adha

In the Islamic holy book, the Quran, is a story about the Prophet Ibrahim. Ibrahim has a son whom he loves. One night, Ibrahim dreams that he is sacrificing his son. He realises the dream is a message from God. Ibrahim tells his son about the dream, and, in devotion to God, they prepare for the sacrifice.

Just as Ibrahim is about to make the sacrifice… God steps in. He provides a replacement, so that Ibrahim’s son is spared. Each year, Muslims around the world remember Ibrahim’s obedience to God and God’s provision by celebrating Eid al-Adha: the Festival of Sacrifice. Eid al-Adha falls on the tenth day in the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. It usually lasts about four days.

Some Muslims embark on a special spiritual journey, a pilgrimage, leading up to Eid al-Adha. This pilgrimage is called the Hajj. The Hajj is one of the five most important practices, or Five Pillars, of Islam. All Muslims should try to carry out the Hajj at some point in their lives. The journey takes pilgrims to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Once in Mecca, people worship at the house of God called the Kaaba. According to Islamic tradition, the Kaaba was built by Ibrahim and his son. At the end of the Hajj, Eid al-Adha celebrations begin. Muslims around the world join in, whether or not they completed the Hajj. Selma’s family is getting ready to celebrate Eid al-Adha.

On the morning of Eid day, Selma takes a bath and puts on new clothes. Then she goes with her family to the mosque for special Eid prayers. After the mosque, it’s time for the Eid al-Adha sacrifice. A goat, cow, sheep, or camel is sacrificed. In some places, the sacrifice is made at home, while in others it takes place at a slaughterhouse.

The meat is then cooked and, according to tradition, shared out three ways: One third is kept by the family, one third goes to relatives or neighbours, and the last third is given to people in need. Helping those in need is especially important at Eid. Selma’s family chooses to donate money to charities which then distribute meat to the poor. Over Eid, Selma also enjoys big meals with family and loved ones. They eat dishes made with the meat from the slaughtered animal and exchange gifts – often sweet treats, like pistachio cookies and baklava!

Journeying to Mecca, praying at the mosque, sacrificing an animal, helping others, and celebrating with loved ones are all ways Muslims honour Prophet Ibrahim's life and sacrifice and show their own devotion to God at Eid al-Adha.