MAIN Home Life Holidays & Observances Eid ul-Adha & The Hajj

"Eid Murbarak!" (holiday blessings!) is the traditional greeting among the faithful during the Eid ul-Adha, (Festival of Sacrifice).

Eid ul-Adha is celebrated every year on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja on the lunar Islamic calendar, or by western reckoning this year beginning at sunset on Thursday, October 25, 2012, and ending at sunset on Friday, October 26, 2012.

Second only in importance to Ramadan, it is a time of feasting and family get-togethers, gift giving and special prayers that commemorate Abraham's near-sacrifice of his son to prove his obedience to Allah.

The holiday is additionally observed by the symbolic sacrifice of a sheep or calf, with a generous portion of the meat given to the poor as an act of charity.

Eid ul-Adha and The Hajj

Eid ul-Adha is traditionally observed at the end of the Hajj - or the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia - which all Muslims who are financially able are required to perform at least once in their lifetimes.

While those who have made the pilgrimage have special reason to be joyous, Muslims around the world join in to celebrate during the three-day festival of thanksgiving. The wearing of the finest clothes, and a visit to the local mosque for special prayers, is usually followed later by big family or community dinners, and special sweets & treats for children.

Eid ul-Adha around the Web:

Elsewhere on the Web, discover more about Eid ul-Adha (eed ul ud-ha) and the Hajj, including more on their history and meaning told in virtual tours and photo galleries, kid-friendly teaching resources, along with e-cards to send in honor of the festival that reaffirms the faith among millions of Muslims worldwide ...

Eid ul-Adha - Extensive Wikipedia guide with information on the history, traditions and prayers of the celebration as observed in Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey and other Islamic countries with a related calendar, references & resources.

BBC Schools - Hajj and Eid ul-Adha - Student guide to the reasons and rituals of the Muslim celebration with related FAQ, suggested classroom activities and resources to more information.

Virtual Hajj - A map & photo tour depicting the journey to Mecca with virtual stops in Mina, the Mount of Mercy, Muzdalifah, and information on traditional rites and customs.

Eid ul Adha E-Cards - Galleries of elegant, religious, or warm & humorous e-cards to send to friends & loved ones.