The Eid Al-Adha Holiday
One of the biggest holidays in Islam—Eid Al-Adha, the celebration of the willingness of Ibrahim (known to Jews and Christians as Abraham) to sacrifice his son to Allah. While Eid Al-Fitr is seen as the “little Eid,” Eid Al-Adha is the “big Eid” and is anticipated with days of preparation.
What is Eid Al-Adha?
Contrary to the beliefs of Jews and Christians, Muslims believe that the son whom Ibrahim nearly sacrificed was not Isaac, but the elder son Ishmael. The partnership of Ibrahim and Ishmael was a cornerstone of Islam, as they are believed to have constructed the Kaaba, a sacred stone monument which is the focal point of the Hajj.
The feast of Eid Al-Adha involves slaughtering a sheep or a goat, in commemoration of the ram that was sacrificed in place of Ibrahim’s son. A feast is cooked from the meat of the sacrifice. Charity is a key element of Eid Al-Adha—the poor are provided for so that they can partake in the holiday feast.
The sacrifice of of Eid Al-Adha is of high importance; the animal must therefore fit certain requirements to be fit for sacrifice. The Koran dictates that the sacrifice, or the “udhiya,” be divided into three parts: one for the poor, one for relatives, and one for oneself. It is considered ideal to sacrifice the best of one’s livestock for the festival.
Celebrating Eid Al-Adha in Jerusalem
Jerusalem is awash with preparations for the holiday well in advance. Cookies with dates and nuts are a favorite in every household, as part of the festivities, and they are specially baked for the occasion.
On the day of Eid Al-Adha, Muslims attire themselves in their best clothes and attend the Eid prayers in the mosque. The prayers are followed by the feast, in which the sacrificial animals are cooked and eaten by all the people.
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