Eid al-Adha (“Festival of the Sacrifice” in English) is the second of two holy festivals recognized by those of the Islamic faith worldwide and is considered the holiest; the other being Eid al-Fitr (“Festival of the Breaking of the Fast” in reference to the conclusion of the month-long observance of Ramadan). Each year, Eid al-Adha is celebrated over the course of four days, beginning on the 10th day of the Dhu al-Hijjah (the last month in the 12-month Islamic calendar); this date coincides with the “Hajj” or annual pilgrimage to Mecca. This year, Eid al-Adha begins on July 20.
The sacrifice to which Eid al-Adha refers is that of Ibraham’s willingness to kill his son Ismail at the command of God; the story concludes with God intervening upon observing Ibrahim’s obedience, and subsequently commanding him to sacrifice a lamb instead.
Here in Toronto, there are approximately 450,000 individuals who subscribe to the Islam faith, which is almost exactly double the number who live in Montreal. These two cities alone account for about two-thirds of the entire Muslim population in Canada, which is currently about 1.2 million.
Traditions associated with Eid al-Adha include slaughtering an animal such as a cow, sheep, camel, or goat and then sharing the meat in three equal parts – with family, with friends and relatives, and with poor people. In this way, the original sacrifice of Ibrahim is replicated. Another important tradition is the collective chanting of the Takbir, the specific Arabic phrase “Allahu Akbar,” which means “God is the greatest.”
Adamo Nest wishes everyone who celebrates a lovely Eid. May this year bring peace, prosperity, and tranquility to all. Eid Mubarak!
