Observance of Eid Al-Adha

Feast of the Sacrifice: Symbolisms, Practices and Rules

Dec 3, 2008

Islam recognizes only 2 holidays. While they are similar in some ways, Eid Al-Adha is quite different in many ways than Eid Al-Fitr - including who observes it.

Eid Al-Adha, (Festival of the Sacrifice), occurs on the 10th day of the Lunar month of Dhul Hijjah, according to the Islamic calender.

Determination of Timing of the Eid Based on Moon Sighting

Unlike discrepancies in moon-sighting for Eid al-Fitr, which signifies the end of the month of Ramadan and the beginning of the month of Shawwal, the sighting of the new moon for Dhul Hijjah would have already been sighted and determined 10 days before, leaving room for corrections and conciliation.

This is imperative, due to the fact that several million people are performing Hajj (the holy pilgrimage to Mecca) based on a specific calender of rites that must be performed on certain days. It would be utterly nonsensical for one to observe Eid Al-Adha on any day other than the day that the pilgrims (hujaj) are arriving back in Mina after having stood at Mt. Arafat the day before, as the Eid must follow the Day of Arafat, and the Day of Arafat is the 9th Day of Dhul Hijjah.

Is There a Separate Eid for Those Who are Making Hajj and Those Who are Not?

Eid for Non-Hujjaj (Non-Pilgrims)

Muslims who are not on pilgrimage celebrate Eid Al-Adha on the day following the Day of Arafat, with the same set up of congregational Eid prayer followed by a special khutba (sermon) as that of Eid Al-Fitr. Unlike other sermons, while it is preferable to listen to it, it is not obligatory to stay for the khutba of Eid. Once the 2 rakat of Eid prayers have been completed - many people go straight out to make their sacrifice.

Following that prayer, those who are able should sacrifice a ram or whatever appropriate livestock they can afford, with one third going to family, one third to the poor and needy and one third to friends and relatives in need. It is recommended to give as much of it to charity as possible. However, if one is in need himself, he can make this as a charity to his family.

This sacrifice can be made from after sunrise on the 10 of Dhul-Hijja (after one has prayed the two rakat of Eid) up until sunset on the 13th of Dhul Hijja - hence how Eid Al-Adha is referred to as the 3 days of Eid. It is symbolic for God's mercy shown upon Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) when He tested the Prophet with the order to sacrifice his son, Ismail. After both father and son showed their willingness to carry out this command, God released them of it and had him sacrifice a ram in his son's place.

Eid for Hujjaj (Pilgrims)

With regards to the Hujjaj (pilgrims), their Eid is considered to be the standing on Mount Arafat, which occurs on the 9th day of Dhul Hijja (yawm Arafat) - not the 10th. The sermon for the Hujjaj, while not technically an "Eid Khutba", is performed on this day at Arafat, however, it is not obligatory to listen to it (the crowd of millions makes it near impossible).

While there is no Eid Salat on Yawm Arafat, the Dhuhr and Asr prayers are shortened to two rakat each (without being combined). It is important to note that there is no fasting for the one performing Hajj on the Day of Arafat, however on this day, it is Mustahhab (liked, or preferred) for the non-pilgrim to fast.

Many Muslims making Hajj for the first time are not aware that there is no Eid prayer (Salat ul-Eid) for the Hujjaj. Instead, as the sun rises on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, the pilgrims are still making their way back to Mina from Muzdalifa - their overnight stopping point between Mount Arafat and Mina. There they will make their sacrifices, for those that it is required of, and begin the Rajm the next day, or the stoning of the pillars which represent the places where Prophet Ibrahim was tempted by Satan to abandon God's command to sacrifice his son. (The stoning is done with small pebbles collected from Muzdalifa the night before and continues for 3 days.)

It is without doubt that for Muslims, whether pilgrims or non-pilgrims, these days are a most auspicious occasion. They are days to celebrate God's favors, to eat, drink and share the company of the community of Believers.

The copyright of the article Observance of Eid Al-Adha in Islamic Practices is owned by Lamyaa Hashim. Permission to republish Observance of Eid Al-Adha in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.