Eid al-Adha 101: Your Guide to the Festival of Sacrifice
What is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha is the “festival of sacrifice” that occurs on the 10th day of the twelfth month in the lunar calendar. It’s a celebration that can last up to four days commemorating the culmination of Hajj (an annual pilgrimage to Mecca) and Prophet Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) sacrifice for the sake of God.
How is Eid al-Adha Celebrated?
Every year during Eid al-Adha, Muslims take part in the practice of Qurbani (sacrifice) which refers to sacrificing an animal---such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel---and sharing the meat with the most vulnerable, serving as both a form of charity and a reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to God.
How is Eid al-Adha Celebrated?
Like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha is also commemorated by a morning prayer service on the first day of the holiday.
Muslims dress in their best clothes, gather with family and friends, exchange gifts, and eat many sweets.
How Can I Support My Muslim Colleagues?
As Eid al-Adha falls on a different date every year, time-off requests will differ annually. Be inclusive of colleagues who request time off to celebrate
Be accommodating and limit work-related requests while your colleagues are observing
Include an acknowledgement of Eid al-Adha in work communications to promote inclusion and awareness
Don’t make assumptions. Due to cultural or personal reasons, not all of your Muslim colleagues will be observing the holiday in the same way
Encourage Eid al-Adha related celebrations in the workplace, such as decorating or putting up posters
Wish them a blessed Eid Mubarak! This phrase is used by Muslims as a celebratory greeting on Eid, with the literal translation being “Blessed festival/Feast”
