This week Muslims around the world are celebrating  Eid-ul-Adha.  The day of Eid-ul-Adha falls on the tenth day in the final month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar; Dhul-Hijjah. The day that celebrations follows the completion of the annual Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj, one of the  five pillars of Islam. 

There are two Eid (festival) celebrations in Islam. The first is Eid-ul-Fitr, which is celebrated at the end of Ramadan. The second celebration is Eid-ul-Adha which follows the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, at the time of Qurbani (sacrifice).

The celebration of Eid-ul-Adha is to commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim and his devotion to God. His readiness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, showed his willingness and commitment to his Lord. Therefore at the point of sacrifice, God replaced Ismail with a ram, which was to be slaughtered in his place. This is why Eid-ul-Adha is known as the festival of sacrifice.

The act of Qurbani or sacrifice consists of slaughtering an animal to mark this occasion in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice for God. The days of animal sacrifice total three days, from the 10th to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. The Qurbani meat is then donated to those in need.

Depending on the country, the celebrations of Eid-ul-Adha can last anywhere between two and four days. Traditionally, the day is spent celebrating with family, friends and loved ones, often wearing new or best attire and the giving of gifts.

At HCA we can appreciate some of these attributes and actions as we share similar values; such as being charitable, helping those in need and commitment to supporting our community each other.