Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims all around the world. It is one of the two main festivals in Islam, with Eid al-Fitr being the other one. This festival commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, Ismael, as an act of obedience to God’s command. As Ibrahim was about to perform the sacrifice, God intervened and provided a lamb to be sacrificed instead. This story is also found in the Old Testament of the Bible and is celebrated by the Jewish and Christian communities as well. Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. However, the date of the festival varies each year as it is determined by the sighting of the moon.
Why the Date Varies Each Year?
The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, meaning it is based on the cycles of the moon. This is different from the Gregorian calendar that follows the cycles of the sun. As a result, the dates of Islamic holidays change each year, as the lunar months are shorter than the solar months. In addition to that, the Islamic calendar is also about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, meaning that Islamic months will gradually shift through the seasons. This is why Eid al-Adha falls on a different date every year on the Gregorian calendar.
How the Date is Determined?
The date for Eid al-Adha is determined by the sighting of the new moon, which marks the beginning of the new month in the Islamic calendar. The sighting of the new moon is traditionally determined by naked eye observation, although nowadays, many countries use scientific methods and astronomical calculations to determine the dates. This can often cause disagreements among Muslim communities around the world, as the dates can vary depending on the location and method used. In some countries, Eid al-Adha may be celebrated a day earlier or later than in others.
How is Eid al-Adha Celebrated?
On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims attend a special prayer service called Eid al-Adha prayer. This prayer is usually performed outdoors, in large gatherings, and is followed by a sermon. After the prayers, families often exchange gifts and visit friends and relatives. They also partake in a feast and share a special meal with their loved ones. This meal often includes meat from a sacrificed animal, which represents the sacrifice made by Ibrahim. In addition, on the days of Eid al-Adha, Muslims are encouraged to dress in their finest clothes and visit the mosque to offer prayers and make donations. They are also encouraged to give to those in need and to remember the less fortunate.
In Conclusion
Eid al-Adha is a significant holiday for Muslims and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm all over the world. The date of this festival may vary each year, but the meaning and message behind it remain the same. It is a time of sacrifice, generosity, and unity, reminding us of the importance of obedience and compassion in our lives. Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The date of Eid al-Adha varies each year as it is based on the cycles of the moon. The Islamic calendar is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, resulting in the shifting of Islamic months through the seasons. Eid al-Adha is determined by the sighting of the new moon, and often causes disagreements among Muslim communities due to the different methods used. On the day of Eid al-Adha, Muslims attend a special prayer service, exchange gifts, and share a feast with loved ones. Eid al-Adha is a time for sacrifice, generosity, and unity, reminding us of the importance of obedience and compassion in our lives. 
