Feast of Sacrifice (Eid-al Adha)

One of the two main festivals of the Muslim calendar is the Eid-al-Adha which marks the end of the Hajj (holy pilgrimage). It is a festival with many social aspects: the pilgrimage, the sacrifice and sharing of an animal and family reunion including visiting friends and neighbors.

Muslims commemorate the Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, after God's order as well as God's mercy in sparing Ishmael and replacing him in exchange with a ram. At the end of the Hajj each Muslim arranges for an animal to be sacrificed. The meat is then distributed to those in need all over the world.

Muslims not performing the Hajj also make arrangements for an animal to be sacrificed. The meat is distributed among family, neighbors/friends and the needy, each receiving one third. Meat is a valuable source of food in many Muslim countries, and a considerable amount of people cannot afford to buy it regularly. This festival provides opportunities for people to reach out to the less fortunate and share God's bounties. The sacrifice is made in the name of God and is distributed according to set rules. This reminds us Muslims that all bounties (animals, food, and wealth) are from God and must be shared among His people. Muslims distribute the meat to their neighbors and the needy, regardless of their religion.

The festival begins with a communal morning prayer. Instead of praying in small local mosques, Muslim communities commonly get together in a bigger mosque or convention center to pray. Children and the elderly are especially honored in this four day festival. Families visit each other. Relatives, friends, and neighbors get together to share meals and special sweets. Children are given presents. The sick and elderly are visited. People make an extra effort to involve the whole community in this festive spirit. It is also customary to visit the cemetery and give charity.