Eid al-Kabir

Eid al-Adha, also known as Eid al-Kabir or the Festival of Sacrifice, is a major Muslim festival that commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in the Bible) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael in the Bible) as an act of obedience to God. According to Islamic tradition, as Ibrahim prepared to carry out the sacrifice, God provided a ram as a substitute.

Eid al-Adha is typically celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. The exact date of the festival varies each year because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle.

During Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world perform the ritual sacrifice of an animal, usually a goat, sheep, or cow, to commemorate Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. The meat from the animal is then divided into three parts: one for the family, one for friends and relatives, and one for the poor and needy.

In addition to the sacrifice, Muslims also attend special prayers in the morning, exchange greetings and gifts with family and friends, and often wear new clothes. The festival can last for up to three days and is a time of joy, charity, and celebration.

Eid al-Adha is one of the two major festivals in the Islamic calendar, the other being Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

To our Muslim brothers and sisters, I extend my warmest greetings on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. May this festival bring you and your family an abundance of joy, peace, and blessings.

On this day, as we commemorate the sacrifice of the Prophet Ibrahim, let us also reflect on the values of sacrifice, obedience, and humility. Let us remember those who are less fortunate and extend our generosity and compassion to them.

As we celebrate with our loved ones, let us also take the opportunity to strengthen our bonds of kinship and friendship. May this festival be a time of unity, harmony, and love among all people.

Once again, Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim brothers and sisters.