Eid al-Adha facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eid al-Adha
Calligraphic fragment dated to 1729–30 displaying blessings for Eid al-Adha in Arabic
Official name	Eid al-Adha
Observed by	Muslims and Druze
Type	Islamic
Significance	Commemoration of Ibrahim (Abraham)'s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience of a command from God End of the annual Hajj to Mecca
Observances	Eid prayers, animal sacrifice, charity, social gatherings, festive meals, gift-giving
Begins	10 Dhu al-Hijjah nbm,
Ends	14 Dhu al-Hijjah
Date	Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 132: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
Related to	Hajj; Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Adha (pronounced EED al-AH-dah) is one of the two most important Islamic holidays. It is also known as the "Feast of the Sacrifice." Muslims around the world celebrate this special day.

The holiday honors the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). He was ready to sacrifice his son, Ismail (Ishmael), to obey God. But before he could, God provided a lamb to be sacrificed instead. This showed Ibrahim's great faith.

During Eid al-Adha, Muslims remember this story. They often sacrifice an animal, like a sheep or goat. The meat is then shared. One part goes to the family, another to friends, and a third part to people in need. This helps everyone enjoy the holiday.

Eid al-Adha is also the end of the annual Hajj. The Hajj is a pilgrimage, or special journey, to the city of Mecca.

In the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Adha is on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. It lasts for four days. The date changes each year on the regular Gregorian calendar. This is because the Islamic calendar follows the moon, which is shorter than the solar year.

The Story of Ibrahim and Ismail

One of the biggest challenges in Prophet Ibrahim's life was a command from God. He had dreams that he was sacrificing his beloved son, Ismail. Ibrahim knew these dreams were a message from God.

He told his son, "Oh son, I keep dreaming that I am slaughtering you." Ismail bravely replied, "Father, do what you are ordered to do." Ibrahim prepared to follow God's command.

During this time, Shaytaan (Satan) tried to stop Ibrahim and his family. He tried to make them doubt God's command. But Ibrahim drove Satan away by throwing pebbles at him. Today, during the Hajj, Muslims throw stones at symbolic pillars. This remembers Ibrahim's rejection of Satan.

God saw Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice what was most dear to him. God honored both Ibrahim and Ismail. The Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) called out to Ibrahim. He said, "O' Abraham, you have fulfilled the revelations." Then, Angel Gabriel brought a lamb from heaven. Ibrahim sacrificed the lamb instead of Ismail.

Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Adha to remember Ibrahim's strong devotion. They also celebrate Ismail's survival. This story teaches about faith, obedience, and God's mercy.

The Quran tells this story in a beautiful way:

100 "O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!"
101 So We gave him the good news of a boy ready to suffer and forbear.
102 Then, when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious) work with him, he said: "O my son! I see in vision that I offer thee in sacrifice: Now see what is thy view!" (The son) said: "O my father! Do as thou art commanded: you will find me if Allah (God) so wills one practicing Patience and Constancy!"
103 So when they had both submitted their wills (to Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice),
104 We called out to him "O Abraham!
105 "You have already fulfilled the vision!" – thus indeed do We reward those who do right.
106 For this was obviously a trial–
107 And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice:
108 And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times:
109 "Peace and salutation to Abraham!"
110 Thus indeed do We reward those who do right.
111 For he was one of our believing Servants.
112 And We gave him the good news of Isaac – a prophet – one of the Righteous.

—Quran, sura 37 (Aṣ-Ṣāffāt), āyāt 100–112

Sacrifice on Eid al-Adha

The main tradition for Eid al-Adha is sacrificing an animal. This is called qurbani. The meat is then divided into three equal parts. One part is for your family. Another part is for relatives and friends. The last part is for poor and needy people. This helps make sure everyone gets to eat meat during the holiday.

The sacrifice shows devotion to God. It's about giving something you value to show your faith. Sometimes, this sacrifice can be something other than an animal. It could be giving money to charity or spending time helping your community. This shows kindness and equality.

Eid Prayers

Eid prayer at the Badshahi Mosque, Pakistan

Muslims gather to offer special Eid al-Adha prayers at the mosque. These prayers are performed after the sun fully rises on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah.

Eid prayers are always done in a group. They are different from the daily prayers. There is no special call to prayer before them. After the prayer, the Imam (prayer leader) gives a sermon.

When the prayers and sermon are finished, Muslims hug and greet each other. They say "Eid Mubarak!" which means "Blessed Eid!" People also give gifts and visit family and friends. Many Muslims invite non-Muslim friends to their celebrations. This helps others learn about Islam and Muslim culture.

Traditions and Practices

Cookies of Eid (ma'amoul)

During Eid al-Adha, there are many important traditions. Distributing meat is one. Another is chanting the takbir out loud. This chant is said before the Eid prayers on the first day. It is also said after prayers throughout the four days of Eid.

The takbir means:

Everyone dresses in their best clothes for Eid prayer. This includes men, women, and children. They gather in large groups in open fields called Eidgahs or in mosques. Muslims who can afford it sacrifice a halal animal. This is usually a camel, goat, cow, sheep, or ram. The animal must meet certain age and quality rules.

The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts. One-third is for the family. Another third is given to relatives, friends, and neighbors. The last third is given to the poor and needy.

Families also cook special sweets, like ma'amoul cookies and samosas. They gather with family and friends to share meals and celebrate.

Eid al-Adha Dates

Eid al-Adha is always on the same day of the Islamic calendar. But its date on the Gregorian calendar changes each year. This is because the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar. It is based on the cycles of the moon. The Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar, based on the sun. The lunar calendar is about eleven days shorter than the solar calendar.

So, Eid al-Adha shifts earlier by about eleven days each year. The exact start date can also vary slightly in different parts of the world. This is because it depends on when the new moon is seen locally.

Here are some recent and upcoming dates for Eid al-Adha:

See also

In Spanish: Eid al-Adha para niños