Muslims around the world celebrated Eid al-Adha, also known as Eid-ul-Zuha, on Wednesday, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's unwavering devotion to God. This festival, observed on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the lunar Islamic calendar, is one of two major Muslim celebrations, the other being Eid-ul-Fitr. Eid al-Adha, meaning the 'festival of sacrifice,' lasts for two and a half days and honors Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of faith, before God provided a ram in his place. It also marks the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
Eid Prayers and Traditions
On this day, both men and women offer prayers at local mosques or larger Eidgahs—grounds designated for Eid prayers. While women are generally encouraged to pray away from the male gaze, special areas are allocated for them during Eid. These prayers often include dedications to people suffering worldwide. Following the Imam-led prayers, families prepare special dishes and gather to celebrate. Eid lunches are a cherished time when families decorate the Eid dastarkhawan (Eid spread) with mutton dishes and partake in festivities. The first day is spent visiting relatives and friends, and distributing meat from the sacrificial animal.
The Ritual of Sacrifice
A central tradition of Eid al-Adha is the sacrifice of an animal such as a ram, sheep, goat, cow, or buffalo. The meat is divided equally into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and the remaining third for the poor and orphans. This act, known as Sadaqah, is a voluntary charity distinct from Zakat, which is mandatory under Islam and one of the five pillars of the religion.
Global Celebrations
From Iran to Sudan, Muslims gathered for prayers and festivities. In Qom, Iran, a woman attended a religious ceremony. In Salé, Morocco, worshippers performed morning prayers at open-air grounds. In Karachi, Pakistan, devotees offered prayers at a mosque. A girl in Beirut, Lebanon, celebrated with a balloon after prayers outside Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque. In Gaza City, Muslims prayed during Eid al-Adha. In Khartoum, Sudan, worshippers prayed at the war-damaged Al-Sayyid Abdul Rahman al-Mahdi mosque. In Omsk, Russia, a vendor sat next to a trailer transporting sheep at a mobile cattle market ahead of the ritual sacrifice.
Eid Selfies and New Attire
With the rise of social media, 'Eid selfies' have become a trend where people post photos in their best attire. Wearing new clothes on Eid is a highly recommended Sunnah—a practice encouraged by the Prophet Mohammad. Markets buzz with shoppers buying new clothes in preparation for the festival. Eid dates vary by region due to the sighting of the new moon; parts of India and Bangladesh celebrated on 28 May, while many parts of Southeast Asia celebrated on 27 May.
Eidee and Demographics
Children receive eidee, a small monetary gift from parents, uncles, and aunts. According to the Pew Research Centre, Muslims are the world's second-largest religious group and the fastest-growing major religion. They constitute the majority in the Middle East-North Africa region, while in other regions, including the Asia-Pacific which is home to 59 percent of all Muslims, they are a religious minority.
