Encyclopedia of Muhammad

Eid-ul-Adha (عید الاضحیٰ)

Also known as the festival of sacrifice, Muslims all over the world celebrate it on the 10th of Dhu Al-Hajj. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah, with Allah providing a ram for sacrifice. The festival involves communal prayers, the ritual sacrifice of an animal, and the distribution of the meat to the needy, relatives, and for personal consumption. It emphasizes self-sacrifice, charity, and obedience to God's commandments. Muslims mark the occasion with prayers, feasts, and acts of charity, fostering a sense of community and gratitude.