Eid al-Adha Celebrations Across the Globe

Eid al-Adha, a significant Islamic festival, marks the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, coinciding with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Celebrated in the Middle East, the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia, the three-day festival begins today. Key Middle Eastern participants include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Syria, Yemen, Kuwait, Oman, and Iraq.

In Türkiye, Muslims gathered at around 90,000 mosques, including the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and the Grand Mosque in Diyarbakır, highlighting the importance of communal worship.

In Saudi Arabia, over 1.5 million pilgrims from around 180 countries performed the dawn prayer at Muzdalifah and will engage in the symbolic stoning of the devil at Jamarat Al Aqabah, the ritual sacrifice, and proceed to Makkah for Tawaf Al Ifada and Sai’, essential pillars of Hajj.

Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah, who intervened and provided a ram instead. This event is recognized in Christianity and Judaism, though the narratives differ. The festival emphasizes devotion, submission, and divine mercy.

A central ritual is the sacrifice of an animal, symbolizing Ibrahim’s devotion. The meat is divided into three parts: one-third for the poor and needy, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the family, ensuring the blessings of Eid are shared.

Muslims also gather for Salat al-Eid, a special prayer service fostering communal worship and reflection. Held in large open spaces or mosques, these prayers unite communities in faith.

Eid al-Adha emphasizes charity and giving, encouraging Muslims to help those in need. Families and friends share festive meals, often including sacrificial meat, and wear their best clothes. The holiday reminds of generosity, compassion, and community well-being.

Eid al-Adha reflects on sacrifice, devotion, and compassion, strengthening community and charity. Despite cultural variations, the core essence remains the same across the Muslim world, commemorating a pivotal moment in Islamic history and reinforcing faith, unity, and social responsibility.

As Muslims worldwide celebrate, the shared rituals and prayers highlight universal themes of devotion and sacrifice, fostering unity and solidarity in the global Muslim community.