Eid al-Adha marks the end of Muslims’ annual pilgrimage to Mecca and celebrates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail to Allah. Although Ibrahim was willing to obey Allah’s command to sacrifice his son, Allah provided a ram to be slaughtered instead of Ismail, as he had only wanted to test Ibrahim’s commitment to Allah. While it has no connection to the hajj, it falls one day after its ending and therefore is connected to the hajj by time.
Observers will meet at the closest mosque on the morning of Eid al-Adha and perform the Eid Salaah or Eid prayers in congregation. They will then perform Qurbani, which consists of slaughtering an animal to remember Ibrahim’s sacrifice. One-third of the Qurbani will be kept for the family, one-third for friends, and one-third to give to those in need. In countries where it is illegal to sacrifice animals outside slaughterhouses, believers will donate money to help other Muslim families practice Qurbani. In addition to Qurbani, believers will wear new clothes and may exchange gifts. Days will be taken off from both school and work.
Do not schedule important events or activities. Expect that observers will not attend meetings or classes and will likely not communicate.
