Celebrating Eid ul-Adha 2024: The Festival of Sacrifice and Faith
The “Festival of Sacrifice,” or Eid ul-Adha, is one of the most important Islamic festivals observed by Muslims all over the world. When it comes to the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid ul-Adha 2024 is scheduled to begin on June 28th in the evening, provided that the moon is visible. It falls on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month. This celebration honours the steadfast faith and loyalty of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) as well as the essence of Islamic teachings—the spirit of sacrifice.
Eid ul-Adha traces its origins to the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who was commanded by Allah in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, Isma’il (Ishmael). Demonstrating absolute faith and submission to Allah’s will, Ibrahim prepared to carry out the command. At the moment of sacrifice, Allah intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed in place of Isma’il. This act of devotion and obedience is celebrated by Muslims through the ritual of Qurbani (sacrifice), where animals such as goats, sheep, cows, or camels are slaughtered in remembrance of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice what he loved most.
The observance of Eid ul-Adha begins with the performance of Salat al-Eid, the special Eid prayer, which is held in large congregations at mosques, open grounds, or community centers. The prayer is usually followed by a sermon (khutbah) that emphasizes the significance of the festival, the importance of sacrifice, and the values of compassion and charity.
One of the central rituals of Eid ul-Adha is the Qurbani. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one-third is given to the poor and needy, one-third is distributed among relatives and friends, and the remaining third is kept for the family. This distribution underscores the values of sharing and caring for the less fortunate, fostering a sense of community and solidarity
Eid ul-Adha is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy across the Muslim world, each region bringing its own cultural flavor to the festivities. In the Middle East, families gather for sumptuous feasts, often featuring dishes like lamb kebabs, biryani, and traditional sweets. In South Asia, the festival is marked by vibrant markets, special prayers, and community feasts. In Indonesia and Malaysia, the celebrations include communal prayers and the preparation of traditional dishes such as rendang and ketupat.
Despite these regional differences, the essence of Eid ul-Adha remains the same: a celebration of faith, sacrifice, and community. In recent years, the festival has also seen an increase in charitable activities, with many Muslims donating to various humanitarian causes and organizations that work to alleviate poverty and hunger
Eid ul-Adha serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of sacrifice in the path of faith. It encourages Muslims to reflect on their own lives and consider what they can do to help others. The festival’s emphasis on charity is particularly poignant, as it calls on believers to reach out to those in need and extend a helping hand.
In today’s world, where many face economic hardships, displacement, and other challenges, the message of Eid ul-Adha is more relevant than ever. By sharing their blessings and providing for the less fortunate, Muslims worldwide embody the teachings of compassion and generosity that are central to Islam
As Muslims get ready to celebrate Eid ul-Adha in 2024, the occasion serves as a reminder of the eternal importance of community, sacrifice, and religion. It is a time for families to be together, for people to open their hearts to charity, and for people to recommit to leading lives filled with meaning and dedication. We are all reminded by Eid ul-Adha of the tremendous power of religion and the many opportunities that present themselves when we act with selflessness and compassion.
