It takes place on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, which will fall on Tuesday this year. The date is approximately 70 days (2 Months & 10 days) after the end of the month of Ramadan, i.e. Eid-ul-Fitr. Ritual observance of the holiday lasts until sunset of the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.

Muslims worldwide celebrate the holiday of Eid-Ul-Adha, which commemorates the trials of Prophet Ibrahim; his wife, Hagar; and his son Ishmael.

The Hajj is the Fifth Pillar of Islam and therefore is a very important part of the Islamic faith.

All physically fit Muslims who can afford it should make the trip to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, at least once in their lifetime.

Every year, more than two million Muslims from more than 70 countries journey to the holy city of Mecca.

They visit a shrine in the city known as the Ka’bah, built by Ibrahim and his son Ishmael at the command of God.

Ka’bah is the direction where all Muslims around the world face while performing their prayers.

The other four Pillars are: the testimony of faith, offering the five daily prayers, paying a certain share as charity and fasting the month of Ramadan.

Eid-ul-Adha is a four-day celebration and in Muslim countries is a public holiday.

It begins with Muslims going to the mosque for congregational prayers, dressed in their best clothes to thank God for all the blessings they have received and supplicate to him to guide them in their lives.

It is also a time when they visit family and friends and exchange gifts.

During Eid, it is obligatory to give a set amount of money to charity in order to help the poor buy new clothes and food so they too can celebrate.

Men, women, and children are expected to dress in their finest clothing to perform Eid prayerin a large congregation is an open waqf field called Eidgah or mosque. Those Muslims who can afford, sacrifice their best domestic animals. The sacrificed animals, called U�hiyyah, have to meet certain age and quality standards or else the animal is considered an unacceptable sacrifice.

The regular charitable practices of the Muslim community are demonstrated during Eid al-Adha by concerted efforts to see that no impoverished person is left without an opportunity to partake in the sacrificial meal during these days.

During Eid al-Adha, distributing meat amongst the poor people is considered essential parts of this important Islamic festival. In some countries, families that do not own livestock can make a contribution to a charity that will provide meat to those who are in need.

Global Arab Network