Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid al-Adha this weekend. Here's what it's about

Yes, there are two Eids in Islam!

1) Eid al-Fitr where Muslims celebrate the end of the Holy month of fasting during Ramadan with family, friends, prayers and food. 

2) Eid al-Adha, also known as the day of sacrifice (we'll learn why later), will be celebrated and commemorated by Muslims this weekend.

What is Eid-al-Adha all about?

For many Muslims, Eid al-Adha marks the culmination of Hajj (pilgrimage) — the Fifth Pillar of Islam marking the journey to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

This annual pilgrimage is taken up by those who are financially and physically able to take it once in their lifetime.

The end of the pilgrimage coincides with the end of Eid al-Adha which is celebrated globally as Muslims and family members who are not on Hajj share in the celebrations and mark the significance of the day. 

When Is Eid al-Adha?

The date of Eid al-Adha is determined by the Islamic lunar calendar, so it varies each year within the same month of 'Dhu al-Hijjah' — the last month of the Islamic calendar.

Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah — and lasts between two to four days, depending on the country. 

Generally, the dates shift about 11 days earlier each year in the international (Gregorian) calendar. 

This year, the three to four-day celebrations take place on the eve of Youth and Father's Day, Sunday, 16 June and last until Thursday, 20 June in some countries.

Traditions: Qurbani (sacrifice), prayers and sharing 

Apart from celebrating the end of the pilgrimage, Eid-ul-Adha is also known as the day of sacrifice. 

Why? To commemorate the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah SWT (God) and his readiness to sacrifice his son, Ismail.

At the very point of sacrifice, Allah SWT replaced Ismail with a ram, which was to be slaughtered in place of his son.

This command from Allah SWT was a test of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness and commitment to obey his Lord’s command, without question. Hence, the day of sacrifice.

This is why the act of Qurbani (sacrifice) is carried out by many Muslims during Eid al-Adha. 

The act of Qurbani consists of slaughtering an animal as a sacrifice in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice for Allah SWT.

The days of animal sacrifice total three days, from the 10th to the 12th of Dhu-al-Hijjah.

The sacrificial animal can be a sheep, lamb, goat, cow, bull or camel; the sheep, lamb or goat consists of one Qurbani share, whereas a bull, cow or camel consists of seven shares per animal - you can make as many shares/Qurbani's as you like or can afford.

The animal must be in good health and over a certain age to be slaughtered in a 'halal' way which means that the animal is not slaughtered inhumanely and doesn't endure suffering - hence, only people who are qualified to slaughter animals in a 'halal' way perform Qurbani's.

The Qurbani meat is then divided into three equal portions per share; one-third is for you and your family, one-third is for friends, and the final third is to be donated to those in need, demonstrating another Pillar of Islam — zakat (giving back to the poor and needy).

Celebrations on the day

A typical Eid al-Adha day might include attending special morning prayers held at mosques in communities.

Muslims usually wear their best, some exchange gifts, visit family members, go to Qurbanis and enjoy decadent breakfast, lunch or dinner (sometimes all three and dessert) with their nearest and dearest. Others might spend the day giving back to communities who need it most - either way, Muslims will be taking leave from work during this time.

A common phrase used during Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr is 'Eid Mubarak', which means 'Blessed Eid'.

You may also hear a variation of the phrase, 'Eid al-Adha Mubarak'.

By saying this, Muslims wish one another good fortune and well-being - so when you come across someone celebrating Eid, feel free to wish them and their family 'Eid Mubarak'.

With that said, Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating!