Eid-al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice

Celebrating Eid al Adha in Egypt is an auspicious occasion. As a tradition, people start the day by eating a large breakfast of fatta (rice with tomato sauce and bread) covered with meat cubes and cooked onion. This meal is usually shared amongst family members and friends to emphasize the spirit of togetherness and joyfulness that comes with the holiday. To add more merriment to the celebrations, one of the main activities for this holiday is distributing meat. Many families slaughter animals such as sheep, goats, cows or camels according to their financial capabilities; then share portions of it with their close relatives and neighbors. Eid-al-Adha also marks an opportunity for Egyptians to wear their finest traditional clothing as a sign of pride and respect for the occasion. Men usually wear simple galabeyas (traditional garments) while women often adorn themselves with long colorful dresses, scarves, and gold jewelry. Socializing is also an integral part of celebrating Eid-al-Adha in Egypt. This is done not only to show their thankfulness to God but also to strengthen their relationships with each other during the celebration. Thus, Eid al Adha in Egypt is a memorable event filled with delicious food, cultural activities, and social gatherings.

Before the festival begins, families purchase a sacrificial animal, usually a goat or a sheep, which is then slaughtered on the first day of Eid-al-Adha. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for friends and relatives, and one-third for the poor and needy. The first day of the celebration, people dress up in new clothes and attend the Eid prayer, which is usually held in large mosques or open-air prayer grounds. After the prayer, people exchange greetings and embrace each other, wishing each other “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid). Families also gather for a festive meal, which usually includes meat from the sacrificed animal. Special Eid sweets, such as baklava, Turkish delight, and halva, are also prepared and shared with family and friends. During the four days of the festival, many people take time off from work or school to spend time with their families, visit relatives and friends, and participate in other festive activities.

Eid-al-Adha is celebrated in the United States with much enthusiasm and joy. The morning of Eid begins with a special prayer, usually performed at mosques or Islamic centers. After the prayer, families gather for a day of celebration that typically includes a lavish meal and fun activities. The US president also sends out greetings on this holiday each year: last year, President Biden sent out a message of season’s greetings and best wishes for happiness and prosperity on Eid-al-Adha, asking all Americans to join him in creating a world filled with love and hope. In the United States, sacrificing animals at home to celebrate Eid-al-Adha is not common; instead, people often donate money to charities to help those in need during this time. This has become an especially important tradition over the years as it allows Muslims in the US to share their blessings with others less fortunate than them. Overall, the celebration of Eid-al-Adha in the United States is full of joy and unity. It is a special time to come together as a community and share blessings with those that are less fortunate than us.