Eid –ul-Adha: The Second Biggest Muslim Festival

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October 26, 2012 02:27 AM

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Eid al-Adha or or the Greater Eid, is an important religious festival celebrated by Muslims.

According to the Muslim tradition, the occasion is celebrated in the memory of Prophet Abraham’s (Ibrahim in Arabic) willingness to sacrifice his beloved son in the name of Allah. Satan (Shaitan in Arabic) tempted Abraham by trying to dissuade him from carrying out God's commandment, but prophet Abraham drove him away by throwing pebbles at him. God, in His mercy, seeing his prophet’s love and dedication, switched a lamb in place of his son at the time of the sacrifice.

For centuries now, Muslims all over the world have been commemorating this event of great sacrifice. The 10-day ritual of Hajj is completed only after the pilgrims throw stones at pillars personifying Satan three days in a row. At the end of Hajj, Eid ul Adha is celebrated.

Eid –ul-Adha

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Hajj, the pilgrimage preceding the Eid is compulsory on every Muslim at least once in their life providing that they have the means. Eid, however, is celebrated by all Muslims every year on the 11^th day of Hajj.

The most prominent and important requirement of Eid-ul-Adha, after the Eid prayers, is the sacrifice. Goats, sheep, camels and lambs are sacrificed and the meat is divided into three parts. One part is for the person making the sacrifice and his family, the second for his relatives and the third for the poor and the needy.

Muslim Festival

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Muslim Festival

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The religious rituals of prayer and the sacrifice are followed by three days of celebrations and festivities. Market places, homes and even mosques are decorated. There is a lot of activity and excitement in the air in days preceding the Eid.

Muslim Festival

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Muslim Festival

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People dress up especially for Eid and give as well as attend parties that have friends and family gathering, for hours of fun and celebrations. And of course there is food, lots and lots of food! The dishes primarily consist of dishes made of meat but plenty of sweets as well.

Muslim Festival