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Eid al-Adha

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Eid al-Adha is one of the two main festivals in Islam.

The Badshahi in all its glory during the Eid Prayers
The Badshahi in all its glory during the Eid Prayers

It is often called the Greater Eid or the Large Eid. This holiday falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijja. That is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. Because the Islamic calendar follows the moon, the date changes each year on the solar calendar. The celebrations often continue for three more days. These extra days are known as the Tashreeq days.

জাতীয় ঈদগাহ ময়দান
জাতীয় ঈদগাহ ময়দান

The festival honors the prophet Abraham and his great faith. In Islamic tradition, Abraham received a command from God. He was willing to sacrifice his beloved son to show obedience. During this time, a figure named Iblis tried to stop him. Abraham drove Iblis away by throwing pebbles. This is why pilgrims at the Hajj perform a ritual stoning of the Devil. Eventually, the Angel Gabriel appeared to Abraham. The angel provided a ram from heaven to sacrifice instead of his son.

Eid al-Adha cattle market in Bangladesh 44
Eid al-Adha cattle market in Bangladesh 44

Many special things happen during the holiday. On the morning of Eid, people perform a special Eid prayer. They often wear their finest clothing for this. After the prayer and a sermon, people embrace and exchange greetings. A common greeting is "Eid Mubarak."

Eid Blessings WDL6855
Eid Blessings WDL6855

Some people also perform the udhiyah, which is a ritual sacrifice. This involves livestock like a camel, goat, sheep, or ram. The meat is divided into three equal parts. One part goes to the family. One part goes to friends and relatives. The final part is given to poor people so everyone can eat meat.

Different parts of the world have unique ways to celebrate. In Bangladesh, it is called Korbanir Eid. About 13 million animals are sacrificed there each year. People might eat dishes like Kala bhuna or Qorma with pulao. In Pakistan, women might apply henna to their hands. Children there often receive Eidi, which is money or gifts from elders. In the Middle East, people make traditional sweets. In African nations, families host big feasts and give gifts.

PikiWiki Israel 28887 Eid al-Adha Homemade Cookies
PikiWiki Israel 28887 Eid al-Adha Homemade Cookies

This holiday connects to many different traditions. The story of Abraham is also known as the Akedah in Judaism. It can be found in the Torah in the book of Genesis. Many of these customs show values like giving and family. Whether through feasts or charity, the goal is to celebrate and share. Even though cultures differ, the spirit of the festival remains the same.

Eid Blessings WDL6855
Eid Blessings WDL6855
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🖼️ Images & Media (5)
File:The Badshahi in all its glory during the Eid Prayers.JPG
The Badshahi in all its glory during the...
File:Eid_Blessings_WDL6855.png
Eid_Blessings_WDL6855.png
File:PikiWiki Israel 28887 Eid al-Adha Homemade Cookies.jpg
PikiWiki Israel 28887 Eid al-Adha...
File:Eid al-Adha cattle market in Bangladesh 44.jpg
Eid al-Adha cattle market in Bangladesh 44.jpg
File:জাতীয়_ঈদগাহ_ময়দান.jpg
জাতীয়_ঈদগাহ_ময়দান.jpg
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