The Eid Al-Adha Holiday
What is Eid Al-Adha?
Contrary to
the beliefs of Jews and Christians, Muslims believe that the son whom
Ibrahim nearly sacrificed was not Isaac, but the elder son Ishmael. The
partnership of Ibrahim and Ishmael was a cornerstone of Islam, as they
are believed to have constructed the Kaaba, a sacred stone monument
which is the focal point of the Hajj.
The feast of Eid Al-Adha involves slaughtering a sheep or a goat, in commemoration of the ram that was sacrificed in place of Ibrahim’s son. A feast is cooked from the meat of the sacrifice. Charity is a key element of Eid Al-Adha—the poor are provided for so that they can partake in the holiday feast.
The sacrifice of of Eid Al-Adha is of high importance; the animal must therefore fit certain requirements to be fit for sacrifice. The Koran dictates that the sacrifice, or the “udhiya,” be divided into three parts: one for the poor, one for relatives, and one for oneself. It is considered ideal to sacrifice the best of one’s livestock for the festival.
Celebrating Eid Al-Adha in Jerusalem
Jerusalem is
awash with preparations for the holiday well in advance. Cookies with
dates and nuts are a favorite in every household, as part of the
festivities, and they are specially baked for the occasion.
On the day of Eid Al-Adha, Muslims attire themselves in their best clothes and attend the Eid prayers in the mosque. The prayers are followed by the feast, in which the sacrificial animals are cooked and eaten by all the people.
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