Eid Al-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice is celebrated to commemorate the obedience of Ibrahim.
The four-day celebration starts today, August 21 and will last until Sunday, 25 August.
The annual event is a time to think of others as well as repenting for past sins and looking to the future.
The Festival of Sacrifice marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage, where Muslims descend on Mecca.
Around two million Muslims travel to Mecca to mark the occasion every year, while others choose to celebrate in their local mosque.
Muslims will sacrifice goats, sheep, lambs, and cows to represent Ibrahim’s commitment to God, where Allah came to Ibrahim in a dream and asked him to sacrifice his son Isma’il as an act of obedience to God.
As he was about to sacrifice Isma’il, Allah stopped him and gave him a lamb instead.
The sacrifice is mandatory for all Muslims that can financially afford an animal.
It is also mandatory for people with money to give an amount to charity, so less fortunate people can afford to join in on the celebration as well.
The event expects Muslims to pray, dress in their best clothes and give gifts to others, but it is first and foremost a special occasion to celebrate with friends and family.
How to wish someone happy Eid Al-Adha
Just like there are countless ways of saying “happy holidays”, Eid Al-Adha is greeted by Muslims in many different ways.
The main greeting for Eid Al-Adha is ‘Eid Mubarak’ and means ‘blessed Eid’ or ‘have a blessed holiday.’
The word ‘Eid’ means ’feast’ or ‘festival’.
To respond to the phrase, ‘Khair Mubarak’, which wishes goodwill on the person greeting you, is often used.
‘JazakAllah Khair’, which means thank you, is also an acceptable reply.
Other greetings used by Muslims include:
“May Allah flood your life with happiness on this occasion, your heart with love, your soul with spiritual, your mind with wisdom, wishing you a very Happy Eid.”
“May Allah’s blessings be with you today and always. Eid Ul Adha Mubarak!”
“Sending you warm wishes on Eid and wishing that it brings your way ever joys and happiness. Remember me in your prayers.”
“May the magic of this Eid bring lots of happiness in your life and may you celebrate it with all your close friends & may it fill your heart with wonders. Eid Mubarak.”
To see the best quotes from the Koran to celebrate Eid click HERE.