Eid al-Adha, Festival of Sacrifice” or “Greater Bairam” is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims all over the world. This year it takes place from July 19 to July 23.

It marks the end of the Pilgrimage or Hajj for the millions of Muslims who make the trip to Mecca each year and pray five times a day.

They like to tell Allah what they are thinking and hope for him to help them, and remember Ibrahim and Ishmael’s courage and devotion to God.

Origin

The festival is to celebrate Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, because Allah told him to do so in a dream. At the final moment, God told him to sacrifice a lamb instead, and this act of sacrificing a sheep is copied by Muslims all over the world today on Eid.

Ibrahim was tempted by Satan not to listen to God, and Ibrahim drove Satan away by throwing pebbles at him. This is also still commemorated by Muslims during Hajj.

Practices, Traditions and Observations

Eid Prayer

The Eid prayer must be offered in congregation. It consists of two Rakaah (units) with seven Takbirs in the first Raka’ah and five Takbirs in the second Raka’ah.

Sacrifice

The sacrifice of an animal, usually a cow, sheep or a goat, is a very important part of Eid. The act repeats what Ibrahim did, and also shows Muslims’ devotion to God (Allah).

Celebrations

Muslims celebrate by having a feast, and giving gifts to the poor. In some Muslim traditions gifts are also given to children. In Muslim countries the day is given as a national holiday.