Eid-el-Kabir is a festival of sacrifice, done in honour of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his only son, Ishmael (Isaac). It is the second of two Muslim holidays celebrated worldwide every year.
In commemoration of this day, a ram is sacrificed and divided into three parts: the family retains one-third of the share the second is given to relatives, friends and neighbours, and the remaining third is given to the poor and needy.
On the day of the celebration, Muslims go for prayers first thing in the morning followed by the killing of the ram, family meals and the exchange of gifts. The period is seen as an important time for charity as food is distributed to the less privileged.
Eid-el-Kabir is guided by the lunar calendar and always begins on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah – known as Arafat Day, or the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage period. In the Gregorian system, the date can vary over a period of 11 days.
Eid-el-Kabir is marked by a four or five days public holiday in most Muslim countries – although in Turkey and Qatar celebrations last for 10 days and in Saudi Arabia a whole fortnight.
To all our friends and followers we wish you a blissful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
