Eid al-Adha and Hajj: The Festival of Sacrifice and Pilgrimage

Eid al-Adha and Hajj

Significance

Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son by God's command. God rewarded him with a ram from heaven. It is the most important festival of the Islamic calendar.

Connection with Hajj

Eid al-Adha begins on 10 Dhul-Hijjah, the same day pilgrims in Mecca complete the main Hajj rituals. It connects pilgrims (physically in Mecca) with the rest of the Muslim community (celebrating at home).

The 10 Days of Dhul-Hijjah

The first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah are the best days of the year according to the Prophet (PBUH). Recommended: fast the first 9 days (especially the Day of Arafah, which expiates sins of two years), takbir, dhikr, and sadaqah.

The Day of Arafah

On 9 Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafah for the most important supplication of Hajj. For non-pilgrims, fasting this day expiates sins of the previous and following year (Muslim 1162).

The Sacrifice (Udhiyah/Qurbani)

After Eid prayer, an animal is sacrificed. The meat is divided into three parts: one for family, one for friends and neighbors, and one for the poor. "Neither their meat nor blood reaches God, but your piety reaches Him" (Quran 22:37).

Days of Tashriq

11, 12, and 13 Dhul-Hijjah: continuation of celebration, takbir after each prayer, and continued sacrifice.