Eid Ul-Adha

Eid ul-Adha is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. By this time, a majority of the rituals of the Hajj have been completed by the pilgrims. Muslims around the world share in the spirit of the Hajj by having Eid festivities in their own localities. The observances of this day are similiar to Eid ul-Fitr, but it includes a special sacrifice.

Muslims sacrifice either lambs, sheep, goats, cows or camels. It is in commemoration of the Prophet Abraham's (Ibrahim) willingness to sacrifice his eldest son Ismael (Ishmail) when God told him to do so in a test of his commitment. Since God miracuously replaced Abraham's son with a lamb, Muslims recall this event with a sacrifice of their own. Sacrifices are performed any time after the Eid morning prayer until the evening of the twelfth of Dhul-Hijjah.

The meat is divided into three portions. One third is given to the needy, one third is kept for the family doing the sacrifice and one third to a friend, neighbor or relative during this time of extra charity and hospitality.