How Is Eid al Adha Celebrated?

Eid-al-Adha is counted among the most significant festivals in the Islamic lunar calendar. Every year, Muslims participate in Eid prayers, listen to the Eid sermon, give Qurbani (animal sacrifice), and distribute meat among the poor and needy on Eid-al-Adha. Eid-al-Adha is also an occasion for joy, family gatherings, and acts of charity. This article on how to celebrate Eid-al-Adha can help you make the most of these blessed days.

When and why do we celebrate Eid-al-Adha? 

We celebrate Eid-al-Adha to commemorate the obedience and devotion that the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) showed when He was willing to sacrifice his son for the sake of Allah (SWT). Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-al-Adha on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Eid celebrations span three days. The exact date on the Gregorian calendar varies from country to country and depends on the sighting of the moon. 

Preparations to Celebrate Eid-al-Adha

Preparations for Eid-al-Adha begin well before the actual day (10th of Dhul Hijjah). These preparations are both spiritual and practical, ensuring that Muslims are ready to fully participate in the celebration. The first ten days of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah are considered highly sacred and blessed. Muslims pray, fast, recite the Quran, and give charity in the days leading to Eid-al-Adha. Families prepare to celebrate Eid by cleaning and decorating their homes, buying new clothes, and planning special meals for the festive days. Shopping for Qurbani animals, such as sheep, goats, cows, or camels, is a key part of the preparations. It’s also recommended that Muslims should stop cutting their nails, hair, and skin until they sacrifice the Qurbani animal. 

Eid-al-Adha Prayer 

Muslims gather early in the morning on the day of Eid-al-Adha to perform the Eid prayer. It is a special congregational prayer and the worshipers listen to the Eid sermon. During the days of Eid-al-Adha, Muslims also practice a number of Sunnah acts. 

Qurbani (Animal Sacrifice)

One of the most significant and sacred acts Muslims perform on Eid-al-Adha is Qurbani (animal sacrifice). It is performed to commemorate the obedience and devotion to Allah (SWT) that the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) showed when He was willing to sacrifice His son Ismail (AS). Qurbani involves the slaughtering of a livestock animal such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel according to Islamic rules. 

Qurbani Meat Distribution

After performing Qurbani, Muslims distribute the meat. The Qurbani meat is typically divided into three parts. One-third is kept by the one giving the Qurbani, one-third is given to relatives and friends, and one-third is distributed among the underprivileged. While it’s necessary to give at least one-third of the meat to the poor and needy, many Muslims choose to distribute all three portions among deserving individuals and families belonging to low-income communities. It has become easier than ever before to donate Qurbani  from anywhere in the world and make an impact through platforms like Transparent Hands. For many underprivileged families, the meat received during Eid-al-Adha is a rare and valuable source of nutrition. It serves as an essential source of protein, which they might not have access to during the rest of the year. 

Other Ways to Celebrate Eid-al-Adha 2024

Family and Social Gatherings: Visiting family and friends is often a key part of Eid celebrations. Families often gather for large meals, where they share the meat and other special dishes. These gatherings provide an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and strengthen familial ties. 

Special Foods and Recipes: Food also plays a role in the celebrations of Eid-al-Adha. Traditional dishes vary from region to region, but they often include rich, flavorful preparations of meat. Popular dishes include mutton curry and various forms of grilled meats. 

Cultural Traditions: Eid-al-Adha is celebrated with unique cultural traditions around the world. In some countries, people wear new or their best clothes. We create a festive atmosphere in our homes and public spaces by decorating with lights and other ornaments.

Conclusion

From Qurbani meat distribution to family gatherings, this guide on how to celebrate Eid-al-Adha covered various aspects of this festival. To make every moment of Eid-al-Adha count, it’s important to prepare for its various aspects in advance. While celebrating Eid, let’s not forget about the underprivileged. By donating our Qurbani and through our acts of charity, we can help them celebrate Eid like us. This year, make a greater difference with your online Qurbani donation through Transparent Hands.