by Lisa Putnam

Created on: November 16, 2009   Last Updated: November 18, 2009

Eid al-Adha or "Festival of Sacrifice" is one of the largest Muslim holidays and commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah in order to remain obedient to Him. This holiday is held to remind followers that true Muslims, like Abraham, should completely submit their lives to the Lord.

The holiday falls on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja of the lunar Islamic calendar. Eid al-Adha also begins at the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. For this reason, Eid al Adha does not occur on any particular day and is begun with the sighting of a new moon. Therefore, different countries celebrate the holiday on different days. Eid al-Adha usually lasts for 3 days or sometimes longer depending on the country. In all countries around the world it is a time of celebration.

United States

In America, the holiday is usually referred to as Eid al-Fitr or "Festivity to Break Fast". The holiday begins with rising early, dressing in the best of clothes, and praying at a mosque. Muslim people decorate their homes with lights and various other ornaments. Muslim families prepare special food and exchange cards and gifts.

Pakistan

In Pakistan, the holiday begins with morning prayers at a mosque and then the people usually go home for a large breakfast with family members. Muslims spend the rest of the day visiting with friends and family, exchanging gifts, and giving money and food to charity. At night, Muslim people continue with their celebrations by eating at restaurants or going to each other's homes to celebrate with more food and festivities.

West Africa

In West Africa Eid al-Adha, or Tobaski Day, begins with dressing in new clothes and reciting prayers at a local mosque. When families come home they slaughter an animal, usually a sheep, for a ritual sacrifice. After the animal has been killed, the meat is divided up and about 1/3 of the meat goes to the needy, 1/3 is given to friends and relatives, and 1/3 is kept to be barbecued and eaten. Children will often ask family and friends for money so that they can buy ice cream or cakes and usually stay up late with their family while the adults sing, dance, and drink cups of green tea.

Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia the local government hosts public prayers followed by concerts, firework displays, car and bicycle racing, theater events, and much more. Saudi Muslims decorate their homes and prepare traditional meals such as lamb mixed with rice and vegetables.

Egypt

Egyptian Muslims celebrate Ed al-Adha

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