Millions of Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid al-Adha, the holiest festival on the Islamic calendar.
Known as the Festival of Sacrifice, the four-day festival began last night, August 21. Eid al-Adha is a commemoration of Ibrahim’s obedience, where he was willing to sacrifice his son at God’s command. Before he could do the sacrifice, God stopped him and provided a ram for sacrifice instead.
Eid al-Adh is also a time to think of others, repenting of past sins and looking to the future. As a day of prayer, Eid al-Adha is focused on Allah, family and friends. A time where people get together to exchange greetings and gifts.
In the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah. In the international Gregorian calendar, the dates vary from year to year drifting approximately 11 days earlier each year.
Eid al-Adha is the latter of the two Eid holidays, the former being Eid al-Fitr.
As Muslim celebrate this auspicious period, the Newcastillian would like to wish all its Muslim readers a blessed Eid Mubarak.
