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Explainer
'But didn't you just celebrate?': Here's a guide to Eid al-Adha for non-Muslims
More than one billion Muslims around the world are preparing to celebrate the most significant religious holiday in the year, Eid al-Adha. Here's what it is and why it's so important.
Published 8 July 2022 5:29am
Updated 28 June 2023 9:48am
By Rayane Tamer
Source: SBS News
Image: Worshippers participating in Eid prayers at Lakemba Mosque in Sydney. (AAP / Steven Saphore)
Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Feast of Sacrifice," is just around the corner, and Muslims around the world are preparing to commemorate one of Islam's most significant festivals.
It is celebrated annually on the 10th day in the final month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah.
It marks the third day of the , in Saudi Arabia, where millions of faithful believers embark on a holy journey for five to six days.
Muslims fulfil the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia while praying at the Masjid al-Haram and circumambulating the Kaaba. Source: Getty / Anadolu Agency
In 2023, most people worldwide will celebrate the festivities on Wednesday, 28 June, while others will follow suit on Thursday.
Do Muslims have two Eids in the year?
That's right. Some people who have Muslim friends or colleagues know about the first Eid of the year and may feel a bit of "history is repeating" when the second Eid rolls around.
"Wait ... didn't you just celebrate Eid?" is a commonly asked question by those unaware there are two Eids in the year.
It marks the end of a holy month where Muslims abstain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset. This is known as the "lesser Eid" and is celebrated over three days.
That's the celebration you're probably more aware of.
The second set of festivities occurs a few months later. The second Eid, Eid al-Adha, is known as the "greater Eid" and generally goes over four days.
What's the story behind Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha is celebrated in commemoration of the Prophet Ibrahim, who was commanded by God to sacrifice his son, Ismail.
Muslims believe God commanded the Prophet to sacrifice Ismail to test his commitment to his faith. When Ibrahim was prepared to commit the sacrifice, God saw his devotion and placed a ram in replacement for his son.
And why do you sacrifice animals?
In memory of Ibrahim's story - which has parallels across other Abrahamic religions of Judaism and Christianity - Muslims are generally required to sacrifice either a sheep, lamb, goat, cow, bull or camel. This act of worship is called "Qurbani" or "Qurban".
Muslims believe sacrificing an animal is a testament to Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for the sake of God.
Muslim worshippers gathered to take part in Eid prayers in Sylhet, Bangladesh. Source: Getty / Future Publishing
In many majority-Muslim countries where people personally commit the sacrifice, the meat is generally split into three portions: one is to be eaten by the family, one for relatives and friends, and one to be shared among the disadvantaged.
Many people tend to volunteer their entire Qurban to those who are less fortunate and do not have access to meat to feed themselves or their families.
How do you perform the sacrifice in Australia?
In Australia and other Western countries, Muslims don't sacrifice the animals themselves.
Instead, they'll usually pay charity organisations facilitating the Qurban in overseas countries. After the animals are sacrificed, their meat is distributed to poor and vulnerable communities.
Do all Muslims have to do this?
Not everyone needs to perform the Qurban.
Some Muslims believe it's only obligatory for one Muslim per household. Others believe that any adult with the financial means should do so too.
How do I wish my Muslim friend a happy Eid?
There are many ways to wish someone well on their special spiritual day, and they vary across different languages, depending on their cultural group.
The most common way to wish is "Eid Mubarak". That quite literally translates to "blessed Eid" in Arabic.
Whichever way you go, they'll appreciate the sentiment!
