FEAST OF THE SACRIFICE
EID al-Adha marks the end of the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia bringing Muslims from around the world together, starting Agust 11.
It's one of two Eid celebrations - the other is Eid al-Fitr, generally considered the holier of the two, which marks the end of Ramadan. Here's everything you need to know about the famous festival.
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When is Eid al-Adha in 2019?
In 2019 the "Festival of the Sacrifice" will begin this Sunday, August 11, and end four days later on Thursday, August 15.
The festival marks the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah, but his son was then replaced with a lamb.
Millions of Muslims around the world will gather to mark one of the holiest days in the religious calendar.
Large groups get together to pray while enjoying feasts and wearing their best clothing.
Traditionally, the festival lasts for four days but public holidays vary around the world - with Arab countries observing a nine-day public holiday.
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Why are there two Eid celebrations?
There are two official holidays in Islam: Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha.
Eid Al-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan (a month of fasting during daylight hours), and Muslims may invoke zakat (charity) on the occasion which begins after the new moon sighting for the beginning of Shawal.
The Eid al-Fitr celebration begins with prayers the morning of 1 Shawal, and is followed by breakfast, and often celebratory meals throughout the day.
Eid Al-Adha is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah when Hajj (pilgrimage) takes place, and lasts for four days.
Muslims may invoke an act of zakat and friendship by the slaughter of a sheep and distribute its meat in 3 parts: among family, friends, and the poor.
Muslims are also encouraged to be especially friendly and reach out to one another during this period.
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What is the Islamic festival about?
It is also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice or the Greater Eid.
The celebration revolves around when Allah appeared to Ibrahim in a dream and asked him to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, as a sign of his faith.
It’s similar to the Christian and Jewish stories in which God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, but spared him from doing so.
It is a celebratory festival and men and women will dress up for the occasion.
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How is it celebrated?
Friends and family gather together to exchange gifts and money and eat traditional food.
It is tradition to give gifts and be given new clothes during Eid al-Adha.
Sacrifice is a huge part of the tradition.
In some countries, families buy, keep and slaughter their own animals.
Islamic rules state the animal must be in good health and an adult.
The meat from the sacrificed animal is traditionally divided into three parts.
A third is kept by the family, a third is given to friends and relatives, and a third is donated to the poor.