The celebration of Eid al-Adha

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Like many festive and religious holidays around the world, Eid al-Adha also has a special meaning and reason for being celebrated in Islam.

Background

Eid al-Adha, also known as the feast of sacrifice, is celebrated on Dhu’l-Hijjah (twelfth month of the Islamic calendar) and commemorates the day of Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). Eid al-Adha also pays homage to when Ibrahim (Abraham) was on the verge of sacrificing his son, but before he could, the angel Jibraeel (Gabriel) told him his sacrifice has been accepted, hence his son was saved and a ram slaughtered in his place. Since then, Eid al-Adha celebrates the sacrifice of animals i.e. goats, sheep, cows.

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This is the second Eid celebrated by Muslims in a year, and is regarded as holier than the first Eid (Eid ul-Fitr), which is celebrated after Ramadan. Eid al-Adha lasts for four days in total.

Celebrations

Muslims around the world greet each other in celebration and wear their best clothes for the occasion. Special prayers are also observed throughout the days of Eid al-Adha. Some people partake in the mandatory pilgrimage to Mecca, but those who are not able to spend Eid with their families and loved ones.

Families and friends participate in gatherings in each other’s homes and tend to have a great feast where they consume the sacrifice as well as other traditional and cultural dishes. Women also tend to wear henna as part of the celebrations.

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Gifts are also generally exchanged among friends and family, and children in particular receive money from their elders and family members, as well as gifts. Some mosques also participate in providing Eid gift bags for children. Giving charity is also practiced during Eid. Money, food, meat (from the animal that was sacrificed), and clothes are distributed to those who need them.

Events around Doha

During Eid al-Adha, most businesses, offices, schools and universities are closed in order for people to celebrate.

Around Doha, there are many events taking place in order to commemorate the occasion. Places like the Pearl-Qatar, Katara Cultural Village, and various shopping malls, have arranged an array of shows and festivities for families to participate in and enjoy.

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There are also multiple Eid promotions that take place in different shops, grocery stores as well as at restaurants and hotels.

For more information you can read about it here.

Eid mubarak to everyone, and may God’s blessings shower down upon you all! عيد مبارك