Eid al Adha 2018 will be celebrated on 21st of August and end in the evening of August 25. It’s a tentative date as the actual date is contingent on the sighting of the moon of Dhul Hijjah.

Eid al Adha takes place on different dates every year. Last year, the festival began on September 1 and next year it will most likely fall on August 10.

The festival is celebrated among Muslims all over the world, it’s in remembrance of the sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) made out of his strong faith in Allah (SWT). Ibrahim (AS) showed a willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS), and his son was replaced with a lamb by Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) was so pleased that he made this demonstration of sacrifice and faith a permanent part of a Muslim’s life.

Hence, every year on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid ul Azha. That day, Muslims slaughter a lamb, sheep, goat or a camel to honor the sacrifice of Ibrahim (AS). A sense of generosity and gratitude colors this festival.

Allah says in the Quran:”Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good.” (Surah Hajj:37)

During the festival, distributing meat amongst the person, the takbir out loud before the Eid prayers on the first day and after prayers throughout the four days, are considered parts of this important festival.

All people are expected to dress in their finest clothing to perform Eid prayer in a large congregation in an open waqf field called Eidgah. The sacrificed animals, called aḍḥiya, have to meet certain age and quality standards or else the animal is considered an unacceptable sacrifice.

Muslims wear their new or best clothes. Women cook special sweets. They gather with family and friends. They also visit cemeteries.

Wanli wishes you a blessed Eid Al-Adha!