We are sending best wishes to those who will be celebrating Eid al-Adha starting this Sunday, June 16th. Muslim families and friends will gather to celebrate together and exchange gifts for Eid al-Adha from Sunday to Tuesday next week. 

The holiday is named al-Adha which means “the sacrifice” because, according to Islam, the Prophet Ibrahim was commanded by God to sacrifice his son, Ismail. In the story, however, God gives Ibrahim a ram to sacrifice instead of his son. Muslims slaughter an animal to share among family, friends, and the needy to commemorate Ibrahim’s sacrifice as part of this festival. The ritual symbolizes Ibrahim’s sacrifice and at the same time represents the obligation to care for those in need. 

Eid al-Adha is a highly significant occasion although it receives less recognition compared to Eid al-Fitr outside of the Muslim community. Worshippers join for community prayer shortly after sunrise on the first day of Eid, which is immediately followed by the sacrifice. The community continues to observe the holiday with special rituals and prayers throughout the rest of the three days. It marks the time of year pilgrims visit the Ka'bah shrine because it takes place just after the pilgrimage. It is a uniquely holy time of year.

Best Wishes,

The Middle East Studies Team

The Ohio State University

Office of International Affairs

Middle East Studies Center

Sources:

Eid al-Adha—Meaning, Date & Celebration. (2024, March 26). HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/eid-al-adha

Eid al-Adha. (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eid_al-Adha&oldid=1229028172

When are Hajj and Eid al-Adha 2024? | Religion News | Al Jazeera. (n.d.). Retrieved June 14, 2024, from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/12/when-are-hajj-and-eid-al-adha-2024-2