The joyous festival of Eid-al-Adha 2022 is around the corner, and Muslims celebrating around the world have already started preparing for it. Eid-ul-Adha holds immense importance for Muslims due to its significance in the history of Islam.

Eid-al-Adha (also known as Eid-ul-azha, Eid-ul-adha, or ‘Holiday of the Sacrifice’) is one of the two major holidays celebrated in Islam– the second one being Eid-ul-Fitr celebrated right after the holy month of Ramadan.

The festival is celebrated differently in various parts of the world due to the many diverse cultures and traditions found all over the planet.

As Eid is approaching closer, Agency21 International wishes you a delightful Eid! Let’s have a look at the history of Eid-al-Adha and how it’s celebrated all around the world.

History Of Eid-al-Adha

Eid-al-Adha comes at the end of the five-day Hajj, which Muslims perform to repent for their sins and create a spirit of equality and brotherhood. On this day, Muslims from all over the world unite to honour the Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) submission to Allah’s will and willingness to offer his son Ismail as a sacrifice.

On this holy day, the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was put to the test when God ordered him to sacrifice his son Ismail. The idea is that God withheld his hand, sparing the child and substituting a ram for him.

The day is commemorated by the sacrifice of an animal, typically a goat, sheep, or cow, and the sharing of the meat with the poor, neighbours, and family members. With a festive feast being prepared in most houses, the division is intended to offer everyone the opportunity to commemorate the occasion on an equal level.

How is Eid-al-Adha celebrated globally?

Eid-al-Adha is celebrated differently all over the globe. With many diverse cultures and traditions, Muslims living in different countries have separate ways of celebrating. We are sure that Eid-al-Adha will be honored with zeal and zest throughout the world with many exciting traditions too!

Agency21 International will be highlighting a few countries and how they celebrate Eid-al-Adha their way!

Pakistan

In Pakistan, Eid-al-Adha is a four-day holiday instead of a regular 3-day celebration in most countries. Eid-al-Adha is determined annually when the moon is sighted to signify the start of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah.

When Eid-al-Adha arrives, Muslim males offer Eid prayers commonly in the congregation upon starting their day. They then proceed towards sacrificing the sheep, goat, cow, and camel they initially purchased.

Usually, shops and markets are closed down as everyone is busy with prayers and sacrifices. After the sacrifice, Muslims distribute the meat amongst their relatives, friends, and the poor. It is also a very common occurrence to see relatives and friends gather together for lunch and dinners. Children look forward to receiving “Eidi” in the form of money or gifts from their elders.

All in all, Eid-al-Adha is a very eventful day in Pakistan, and most Muslims look forward to it throughout the year!

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Like Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also observes a three to four-day holiday upon the arrival of Eid-al-Adha. Muslims start their day by praying on the grounds of “Eidgah” (community prayers spaces) after which everyone wishes each other a blessed Eid Mubarak.

As commonly seen in Pakistan as well, Muslims dress up in new or their best clothes, meet and greet each other, and give “Eidi” to the younger family members. Relatives visit each other’s places and treat each other with scrumptious sweets!

Turkey

As commonly seen in most Muslim countries, Muslims start their day on Eid-al-Adha by offering prayers in the mosque, after which they would proceed towards making the sacrifice of a sheep, goat, camel, etc.

In Turkey, a proportion of people also tend to decorate their sheep or goat with henna and ribbons before they sacrifice them. On the joyous day, people also visit each other’s place and wish them Eid Mubarak. The younger lot kiss the hand of their elders while greeting them, signifying respect for them.

A common practice of making charitable donations to the poor instead of sacrificing a sheep, cow, etc. can be seen in Turkey. It is pertinent to state that Turkey prohibits animal sacrifice outside of designated slaughterhouses which are majorly located outsides of big cities.

Egypt

In Egypt, Eid-al-Adha is known as “Eid-el-Kibr.” Similar to other Muslim countries, Eid-al-Adha in Egypt starts with a sermon and a prayer, which later concludes with families, relatives, and friends gathering to meet each other.

What is interesting about meet and greet in Egypt is that they wish “kon sana wa inta tayab” to each other which means “I hope every year finds you well.”

Meat is shared and donated in large amounts throughout the country on the day of “Eid-el-Kibr.”

Iran

Eid-al-Adha in Iran is quite similar to Eid celebrated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Muslims dress up to perform Namaz Eid (Eid prayers), followed by collecting meat from slaughterhouses.

Muslims meet each other on the exuberant occasion of Eid, where they share meat and have a family feast!

In Iran, common dishes made on Eid-al-Adha are different kinds of Kebabs and Haleem which are devoured by family members joyously.

Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, Eid-al-Adha is also known as “Kurbanir Eid.” Eid preparations and festivities begin a month before Eid-al-Adha– gift shops, clothing shops, sweet shops, etc. are stocked with everything families need for the day!

Cows, goats, and buffaloes are slaughtered on the day, after the Eid prayers. As in other Muslim countries, people gather at their relative’s or friend’s places to enjoy the exciting day to its fullest.

United States of America (USA)

The United States of America (USA) includes various religions and cultures. Muslims in the USA gather to offer Eid prayers and later get together at each other’s place for an Eid feast. It is celebrated for three days in the USA.

Muslims belonging to different countries wear traditional clothing and share their traditional dishes during social gatherings. As for the sacrifice, some Muslims opt for farms where they can perform the slaughter. However, some send money to their families/friends back in their countries for the sacrifice.

Eid-al-Adha All Over The World

Eid-al-Adha is celebrated with zeal and zest all over the world. Along with the sacrifice and morning prayers, Muslims enjoy family feasts with full excitement. “Eidi” is commonly given to the younger lot as a form of a gift from elders,. Donations are made to the poor and underprivileged as well.

In most Muslim countries, Eid holidays are given by the government, signifying the importance of celebrating the day with friends and family. In Pakistan, Eid-al-Adha holidays 2022 are officially given from the 9th of July to the 12th of July this year.

We wish you all a very happy and blessed Eid!