Happy Eid al-Adha 2020! How Muslim festival is celebrated

Muslims around the world will be celebrating the festival of Eid al-Adha today, commemorating the story of the prophet Ibrahim.

An estimated 2.8 million Muslims living in the UK will be celebrating the holy festival of Eid al-Adha today.

Celebrations of Eid al-Fitr earlier in the year were heavily restricted due to the ongoing pandemic, but as lockdown measures begin to ease many Muslims will be able to celebrate safely with a small number of friends and family.

Eid al-Adha is widely considered as the holier of the two Eid festivals, and it’s a time for communities to come together.

Families and friends pray and feast, while it’s also customary to give to those less fortunate.

Here’s everything you need to know:

When does Eid al-Adha take place?

Eid al-Adha falls on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Muslim lunar calendar. It is also known as ‘The Month of the Pilgrimage’.

This date changes from year to year, normally moving forward around 11 days annually.

This year, Eid al-Adha will begin on Friday 31 July and end on Monday 3 August.

What does the festival celebrate?

Otherwise known as the ‘Festival of the Sacrifice’, Eid al-Adha honours the tale of the prophet Ibrahim and his willingness to sacrifice his son to obey God’s command.

Just as a devastated Ibrahim was about to carry out the sacrifice, God produced a lamb to sacrifice instead, saving his son.

Muslims around the world honour this story, and its message of devotion, kindness and equality.

In many countries it is traditional to sacrifice an animal to celebrate Eid al-Adha, and share the meat between the poor, the immediate family, and relatives.

Many Muslims give money to charity during the festival to give poorer families the chance to have a proper Eid feast.

Families, friends and communities pray together at mosques, and feast wearing their best clothes.