Eid al-Adha (Id Arafa)

Based on lunar observation in North America, Eid al-Adha is a 3 day celebration. Note that in the Muslim calendar, a holiday begins on the sunset of the previous day, so observing Muslims in North America will celebrate Eid al-Adha at sunset on Wednesday June 28, 2023, and end on Saturday July 1, 2023.

Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, commemorates the prophet Abraham’s willingness to obey Allah by sacrificing his son Ishmael. According to the Qu’ran, just before Abraham sacrificed his son, Allah replaced Ishmael with a ram, thus sparing his life.

One of the two most important Islamic festivals, Eid al-Adha begins on the 10th day of Dhu’l-Hijja, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Lasting for three days, it occurs at the conclusion of the annual Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims all over the world celebrate, not simply those undertaking the hajj, which for most Muslims is a once-a-lifetime occurrence.

NOTE: The Islamic calendar is based on lunar observation; thus, the above dates may vary by one or two days. Dates apply to North America.

See Wikipedia for more information.

Photo by IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation (cc license).