Respecting the Islamic Holiday Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) is the Muslim calendar's second most significant festival, after Eid al-Fitr. Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha on the 10th day of the 12th month (Du il Hijjah) of the Muslim calendar. The date for Eid al-Adha changes every year as it is set by the lunar calendar. 

The reason for the celebration of this Eid (pronounced “eed” as in “feed”) is entirely different from that of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha to remember the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Isaac). 

Story of Eid al-Adha

Prophet Ibrahim had a dream about sacrificing his son Ismail to prove his obedience to Allah (SWT)*. Prophets' visions and dreams are true and are considered to be a direct message from Allah (SWT), so Prophet Ibrahim decided he must sacrifice his son, Ismail.

He explained his dream to Ismail, and Ismail (his son) told him to obey Allah's command. Satan (the Devil) tried to tempt Prophet Ibrahim to spare his son and disobey Allah (SWT), but Prophet Ibrahim was steadfast in his decision.