Reasons why Eid al-Adha is also known as the ‘Sacrifice Feast’

By Jumia Travel Tanzania

Apart from Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha is among the biggest festivals celebrated by Muslim worshipers worldwide every year. This year, it will take place on Friday, September 1st whereby to Muslims it is a holy day to sacrifice and show generosity to family, friends, and needy people.

It might be interesting but it’s true that there are people who celebrate some festivals without knowing the deep hidden meaning of them. In this article, Jumia Travel shares details on why Eid al-Adha is also called the ‘Sacrifice Feast’ and how it is celebrated.

Muslim worshipers across the world usually celebrate Eid al-Adha by slaughtering a cow, camel, goat or sheep to honor Ibrahim’s (also called Abraham by Christians and Jews) obedience toward God when he was asked to sacrifice his only son by slaughtering him. But when he was about to do that God instead sent an angel to replace his son with a ram.

Therefore, in honoring Ibrahim’s great obedience act towards God Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha by slaughtering animals. Then the meat is retained to family members while the remaining portion is shared with friends, neighbours and the needy. Money also is given to poor and people in need so as to enable them to celebrate like others.

Apart from celebrating Ibrahim’s devotion toward God, also Eid al-Adha marks the end of Hajj, an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca which Muslims across the world take part in. According to the lunar Islamic calendar, Eid al-Adha takes place for ten days on the 12th month and lasts for four days until the 13th day.

Just like Eid al-Fitr, Muslims start the celebrations in the morning by going to the mosque for ‘salah’, then listening to sermon followed by greeting and giving gifts to friends and family. Then, the animals are slaughtered to mark the celebrations.

In Dar es Salaam it is very easy to know the festive seasons due to how the streets, shops and restaurants are vibrant. Another most noticeable activity taking place in this city, is a lot of people flock the Indian ocean famously Coco beach. Jumia Travel believes that at least you have had a clue on the meaning of Eid al-Adha and how it is celebrated.