When is Eid al-Adha 2016 in the USA? What is it, Quotes and Everything You Need to Know
Today, Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid al-Adha. It is an activity-filled holiday which starts with morning prayers, and continues with family and friends visits, feasts and giving gifts to each other.
During this holiday, a common greeting among Muslims is "Eid Mubarak," which means, "Blessed Eid." Other greetings are "Kul 'am wa inta bekhair", which translates to, "May every year see you in good health."
What is Eid al-Adha
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Eid al-Adha is also called the Feast of Sacrifice. It is the second Eid holiday of the year for Muslims, the first one being Eid al-Fitr, or the end of the fasting month called Ramadan.
Origin of Eid al-Adha
The holiday is a celebration of God's appearance to Abraham. Among Muslims, Abraham is called Ibrahim. When God appeared to Ibrahim in a dream, God's message was to make the ultimate sacrifice; killing his own son.
Abraham, with a true test of faith and obedience, followed God's command, but as he was about to strike his son, God stopped him and offered a sheep for sacrifice instead.
As such, in many Muslim communities, families sacrifice an animal, and the meat is shared to the needy. Similarly, during Eid al-Adha, Muslims are encouraged to give aids and donations to the less fortunate.
The Eid al-Adha is celebrated in 4 days, and is said to be as important as the pilgrimage to Mecca, which is participated by around 2 million Muslims yearly.
When is it celebrated
This year, the Eid al-Adha starts on Monday, September 12, 2016 in many Muslim areas. However, the start of the celebration happens when the new moon is detected, and as such, in some countries the Eid al-Adha will begin Tuesday.
Quotes
In celebration of the Feast of Sacrifice, here are some relevant sayings as posted by International Business Times.
"And O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him, He will send you (from the sky) abundant rain, and add strength to your strength, so do not turn away as Mujrimoon (criminals, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) [Hud 11:52]"
"It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him. Thus have We made them subject to you that you may magnify Allah for His Guidance to you. And give glad tidings (O Muhammad) to the Muhsinum (doers of good). [Surah Al-Hajj (22:37)]"
Eid al-Adha in the USA
A lot of Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha in the USA. Most celebrations are done with social gatherings and prayers. While it is not a public holiday, many establishments owned by Muslims close, and traffic may increase around mosques.
This year, Eid al-Adha observance in the US begins at Tuesday night, September 13, and ends in the evening of Thursday, September 15.
