Eid al Adha

Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى), also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant Islamic observances. Celebrated by Muslims around the world, it honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Isma'il (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah's command. This act of devotion ultimately displayed the depth of Ibrahim's faith, as Allah intervened and provided a ram for the sacrifice instead. The observance serves as a time for Muslims to reflect on their own willingness to submit to God's will and to demonstrate their gratitude for the blessings in their lives.

The origins of Eid al-Adha date back to the time of Ibrahim and his wife Hajar (Hagar). Their story of faith, commitment, and obedience, as documented in the Islamic holy book the Quran, resonates with Muslims around the world, including those living in America. This important holiday highlights the shared history and common values connecting Muslims of diverse national and cultural backgrounds. Many people use this time to reaffirm their commitment to their faith, charitable giving, and support for those less fortunate despite distances and differences.

Muslims in America observe Eid al-Adha through prayer gatherings in mosques and community centers across the country, and by spending time with family and friends. A significant aspect of the celebration involves the sacrifice of an animal, typically a goat or sheep, with a portion of the meat distributed to the needy. Alternatively, some American Muslims choose to donate to charities that provide food to those in need. Eid al-Adha is observed on the 10th day of the lunar-based Islamic calendar's month of Dhul Hijjah, which varies in relation to the Gregorian calendar. This means that the specific date of the celebration may vary each year in America, depending on the sighting of the moon.