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Life Holidays
& Observances Eid
ul-Adha & The Hajj

Pilgrims
circling the Kaaba
in Mecca during the Hajj, the
annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
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"Eid
Murbarak!" (holiday blessings!) is the tradtional 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 on
December 8, 2008.
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 1-4 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.
Approx.
Eid ul-Adha dates:
December 8, 2008
November 28, 2009
November 17, 2010
November 7, 2011
October 26, 2012
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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.
Introduction
to the Hajj - Teacher guide from the Council for Islamic
Education with an historical overview of Abraham, Eid ul-Adha,
and the Hajj with suggested classroom discussions and activities,
vocabulary list.
Hajj
Glossary - Photo-illustrated guide to the rituals, places
and prayers of the pilgrimage.
Eid
ul Adha E-Cards - Galleries of elegant, religious, or
warm & humorous e-cards to send to friends & loved ones.
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