Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is an important Islamic holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world after Hajj.
Traditionally, Eid al-Adha is observed on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.
This year (2023) Eid Al-Adha will held on 29th June 2023 in Saudi Arabia.
History
The origins of Eid al-Adha can be traced back to the story of the Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and his willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
In Islamic history, Ibrahim عليه السلام received a command from Allah in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (عليه السلام). His son was informed about the divine instruction by his father, Ibrahim, who was deeply devoted to God. Ismail, being a righteous and obedient son, willingly agreed to be sacrificed for Allah.
As Ibrahim عليه السلام and Ismail عليه السلام prepared for the sacrifice, God intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram at the last moment. As a symbol of the concept of sacrifice and devotion in Islam, Ibrahim’s عليه السلام act illustrates his unwavering faith and willingness to obey God’s commands.
The celebration of Eid al-Adha recalls Ibrahim’s عليه السلام obedience to Allah, his faith, his selflessness, and his gratitude. Muslims believe that Eid ul-Adha is a way to honor Ibrahim’s عليه السلام example and reaffirm their own commitment to God.
During Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world perform several rituals during Hajj and on Eid Day.
The main ritual is the sacrifice of an animal, typically sheep, goat, cow, or camel.
The meat from the sacrificed animal is then divided into three parts: one-third is kept for the family, one-third is distributed among relatives and friends, and one-third is donated to the less fortunate.
By sacrificing an animal, Muslims show their willingness to give up something that is valuable to them, as Ibrahim did with his son, and emphasize the importance of sharing and caring for others.
Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha by gathering with family and friends, exchanging greetings, sharing meals, and engaging in charitable acts and serves as a reminder of Islamic values of sacrifice, generosity, and compassion.
Eid Public Holiday 2023
Eid al-Adha 2023 is a main public holiday in Saudi Arabia.
For this year’s Eid Al-Adha starting from 29th June 2023 until 1st July 2023.
So it implies, the holiday will starts with the day of Arafat, Wednesday (28-June-2023) and employees will join the work from next Sunday (2nd-July-2023).
The days of Eid, however, must be determined by a committee made up of religious scholars, astronomers, and other authorities as part of a moon-sighting exercise at night at starts of last Islamic month Dhu al-Hijjah .
Eid al-Adha is celebrated for one, two, or three days, depending on the country and region.
The prayer times of Eid ul-Adha have not been announced follow us for we’ll update soon.
Eid al Adha in Saudi Arabia
The celebrations start with a special prayer, known as Salatul Eid, which is performed in an open field or a large hall, attended by a large number.
Prayer of Eid Al Adha
Usually, mosques or large outdoor spaces are used to conduct the prayer in congregation.
An Imam or someone qualified to lead the prayer generally leads the prayer in two rak’ahs (units of prayer). Prayer is followed by a sermon, or khutbah.
The prayer is led by an Imam or a religious leader, who delivers a sermon on the importance of the festival.
Intention
Muslims make the intention (niyyah) to perform the Eid prayer, seeking the pleasure of Allah and following the Prophetic tradition.
Congregation
Muslims gather in an open area, such as a mosque, prayer ground, or large open space, to perform the prayer. Men, women, and children are encouraged to attend, although women may choose to pray at home.
Takbeerat
The prayer begins with the recitation of Takbeerat, which is the declaration of the greatness of Allah.
Takbeer E-Tashreeq (tashriq) is a special Takbeerat offer in Eid Prayer.
The Imam and the congregation say Takbeerat (Allah is the greatest) in unison seven times.
Muslims raise their hands loudly during the prayer when they recite Takbeerat
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ. وَاَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ.
Takbeer E-Tashreeq
“Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, there is no god but Allah. And Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.”
Following the takbir, they also recite several Quranic verses and supplications.
Takbir is not uniform because they Takbir individually rather than in congregation.
The goal is for as many individuals as possible to hear the call to prayer.
Sermon
After the initial takbeer, the imam delivers a sermon (khutbah), which usually includes reminders about the significance of Eid al-Adha, the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), and lessons from his willingness to sacrifice.
Khutbah
Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah said:
“The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) came out on the day of Fitr or Adha and delivered a khutbah standing, then he sat for a while, then he stood up.”
The Imam delivers a sermon (Khutbah), which is a part of the prayer.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِۦ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ
Surah Ali ‘Imran – 102
“You who believe, be mindful of God, as is His due, and make sure you devote yourselves to Him, to your dying moment
The Khutbah usually focuses on the significance of Eid Al-Adha.
Its message of unity and brotherhood, and the importance of charity and good deeds.
Rak’ahs
The prayer consists of two Rakat, or units of prayer, with each Rakat containing several steps,
- Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha
- Other verses from the Quran
and then bowing and prostrating in submission to Allah.
Takbeer and Ruku
Following the imam’s lead, the congregation recites additional takbeers during the first rak’ah before proceeding to perform the ruku (bowing) and sujud (prostration) as in regular prayers.
Second Rak’ah
After completing the first rak’ah, the congregation rises from the sujud and stands for the second rak’ah. The imam recites verses from the Quran, and the congregation follows his movements.
Tasleem
After completing the second rak’ah, the imam gives the final salutations (tasleem), and the congregation follows by turning their head to the right and left, conveying peace and blessings to both sides.
Dua
After the prayer, it is common for Muslims to make individual supplications, seeking forgiveness, blessings, and guidance from Allah. They may also engage in communal du’a (prayers) for the well-being of the Muslim community and the world.
A declaration of Allah’s greatness, followed by the Imam and the congregation saying
” السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته “
peace be upon you to each other.
Muslims greet each other after the prayer and the sermon, do handshakes, exchange hugs, and usually say “Eid Mubarak” to each other.
In Saudi Arabia, Eid al-Adha is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. The festivities typically last for several days and involve various religious, social, and cultural activities.
Sacrifice
Act of sacrificing animal or our beloved things, called as Qurbani or Udhiya, which is an important part of Eid al-Adha festivities.
Various animals are sacrificed in this ritual in Saudi Arabia, such as sheep, goats, cows, and camels.
Qurbani is done on 10th, 11th, or 12th days of Dhul-Hijjah which we can do after Eid prayer.
We distribute the meat from the sacrificed animal to our family members, relatives, friends, as well as people in need.
Parts distribution of Qurbani in Islam
In order to comply with Qurbani festival rules, slaughterers and slaughterhouses ought to follow these guidelines:
- The animal should be slaughtered with a sharp knife to minimize suffering.
- The knife should not be sharpened in front of the animal.
- No animal should be slaughtered in another’s presence.
If you do not know how to slaughter the animal, you should remain present while someone else sacrifices it.
It was narrated on the authority of Ibn Abbas that Our Beloved Prophet (P.B.U.H) said
“Feed the people of his household a third, and the poor of his neighbors a third, and give charity to a third.”
Furthermore, it is necessary to say “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” before slaughtering the animal and to wait until it has cooled completely before skinning it.
“There is no dearer deed of Ibne Adam in the days of Qurbani than flowing the blood (doing Qurbani), and that animal will come with his horns, hairs, and hooves on the day of Qayamt. Thee blood of the Qurbani reaches the stage of acceptance before it reaches the floor.”
Tirmizi, Ibnu Majah
A goat (at least one-year-old)
A bull, cow or buffalo (two years old minimum)
A sheep (at least one-year-old)
A camel (five years old minimum)
In Qurbani, meat from animals should be divided into three equal portions.
It should be given to friends, family, and the needy (both Muslim and non-Muslim).
Saudian’s Policies for Qurbani
In Saudi Arabia, Qurbani are performed through Islamic Relief field offices who purchase and slaughter animals locally and sacrificed according to Islamic guidelines.
Such as during Hajj, farmer & processor are processing and distributing meat for many years.
They will prepare and pack all of the animals on Eid, and then distribute all the meat the next day to those in need. In Saudi Arabia, this is handled by many teams there such as IGI members.
Many families not making the Hajj, do their Qurbani at home, or at a local abattoir.
When done at a local abattoir, the cost is kept low by donating the hides, which are then sold to make leather.
However, most meat is consumed by the family and their guests, and at least a third is dispensed to the needy, usually personally.
Hajj pilgrims must use the Hajj abattoir, which allows you to slaughter your animal free of charge and choose what to do with the meat.
If you would like, you can take it yourself and distribute it to the needy of Makkah. This option is quickly ruled out due to the amount of meat available.
There are scroungers posing as beggars who steal your meat and use it for commercial purposes.
The better option is to donate it to the Abattoir, which stores it, butchers it, and freezes it for distribution.
In Saudi Arabia, Hajj services distribute some meat to the needy, but most of it is sent to countries in need, such as Somalia, Yemen, etc.
Al-Rajhi Bank also offers a Qurbani service that accepts payments in your name and slaughters animals for you.
Islamic organization, after sacrificing distribute meat to needy person.
In circumstances where livestock supplies are limited in a specific country (such as limited local supplies, natural disasters, etc., animals are sourced and slaughtered abroad, then shipped back.
Activities during Eid al Adha in Saudi Arabia
Eid al-Adha is a special occasion for families in Saudi Arabia, and it is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm.
Here are some typical traditions and activities that families might engage in during Eid al-Adha.
Dressing up
On the day of Eid, family members wear new or traditional clothes, and children often receive new outfits as gifts.
Women may also adorn their hands with henna designs.
Women mostly prefer dressing such as
- Abaya & Headscarf
- Anarkali Suits
- Full-length Kaftan dress
- Palazzo and Kurti
While Men prefer dress during Eid such as
- Ankle-length garment of wool or cotton known as a Thawb with Ghutra (white and red checkered cotton cloth),
- loose and stylish Kurta and Pajama, Bisht Al-Barqa is also one of the most prominent traditional men’s dress.
Prayer
Family members attend the Eid prayer together, either at a mosque or an open field.
After the prayer, they greet each other with “Eid Mubarak” and exchange hugs and kisses.
Breakfast
Families gather for a special Eid breakfast, which usually includes sweet dishes like
- Debyazah
- Sevia
- Aseeda
- Baklava
- Eid biscuits
- Shereyya (sweetened noodles)
- Maamoul (a stuffed pastry)
- Jereesh
- Ghuraibah biscuits
- pancakes
- and other traditional foods.
From savories to sweets, tables across Saudi Arabia will be spread with lavish meals for friends and family.
Gift-giving
Families exchange gifts and sweets, especially among children.
It is common to give money, toys, or clothing as Eid gifts.
A token of love and affection is also given to children in the form of money or sweets.
They celebrate the occasion with this mostly distribution of gifts, Chocolates or sweets, especially to children and bring them while visiting to their relatives.
Visiting relatives
Family members visit each other’s homes throughout the day to share food and greetings.
They mostly arrange a huge family dinner a way of celebrating Eid.
They may also visit the graves of deceased relatives to pay their respects.
Festive activities
Families may also engage in recreational activities, such as going to amusement parks or shopping malls, watching movies, or playing games together.
There a lot of places in Saudia Arabia to visit during Eid Holidays.
Markets and malls in Eid Al-Adha in KSA
During Eid al-Adha, there is a lot of activity at markets and malls in Saudi Arabia, as people buy gifts, clothes, and decorations.
Here are some of the typical features of markets and malls during Eid al-Adha in KSA:
Decorations
During the holiday season, malls and markets are often decked out with colorful lights, banners, and other festive decorations.
Discounts
To attract shoppers, many stores offer discounts and special promotions during Eid al-Adha.
Events
A lot of special events mostly occur during Eid Holidays.
Events may occur in malls, Markets or in any public places
So, family can visit and get amused.
Traditional clothing
There is a wide assortment of traditional clothing, such as thobes, abayas, and hijabs, as well as modern styles of clothing.
Gift shops
Eid-themed gifts such as chocolates, perfumes, and jewelry are available at specialized gift shops, as well as toys and other products for children.
Entertainment
There may also be entertainment activities available at malls and markets, including live music, traditional dance performances, and games and activities for children.
The prayer of Eid in Saudi Arabia is a joyous occasion that brings Muslims together to celebrate the end of year and the beginning of a new Islamic year, as well as to strengthen their bond with Allah and their fellow believers.
Conclusion
Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is an important Islamic holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world.
The prayer of Eid in Saudi Arabia is a joyous occasion that brings Muslims together to celebrate the end of year and the beginning of a new Islamic year, as well as to strengthen their bond with Allah and their fellow believers. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world perform several rituals. The main ritual is the sacrifice of an animal, typically sheep, goat, cow, or camel. The meat from the sacrificed animal is then divided into three parts: one-third is kept for the family, one-third is distributed among relatives and friends, and one-third is donated to the less fortunate. Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha by gathering with family and friends, exchanging greetings, sharing meals, and engaging in charitable acts and serves as a reminder of Islamic values of sacrifice, generosity, and compassion.