When is Eid ul Adha 2024?
Eid ul Adha holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims around the world. Known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” it is a time for prayer, reflection, and community.
It’s closely linked to the Hajj pilgrimage, an event that draws millions of Muslims to Mecca every year. The festival follows the Islamic lunar calendar, and its date varies each year in the Gregorian calendar.
Understanding Eid ul Adha
Eid ul Adha commemorates the unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), may peace and blessings be upon him, who was willing to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God before Allah provided a ram to sacrifice instead.
This story, shared among Abrahamic religions, highlights themes of faith, sacrifice, and divine provision. In light of this significant event, Muslims around the world offer their Qurbani, in which an animal is sacrificed and the meat distributed.
The meat can be separated into three categories:
1.For family and friends
2.For personal consumption
3.For the poor and needy
Through Qurbani, food poverty is tackled, and impoverished families around the world can participate in the celebrations of Eid ul Adha.
This final month of the Islamic calendar, Dhul Hijjah, encapsulates this spirit of devotion, marking a period filled with blessings and opportunities for good deeds and spiritual growth.
When is Eid ul Adha 2024?
Eid ul Adha is celebrated for 3 days.
This year, Eid al Adha falls on Sunday, 16th June, 2024.
It will, therefore, end on Tuesday, 18th June 2024.
However, since the method of determining all lunar dates is based on moon sighting results, the exact date will depend on these.
The Connection with Hajj
The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by those who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey.
Eid ul Adha occurs on the third day of Hajj, symbolising unity among Muslims worldwide as they celebrate this sacred occasion together, regardless of their location.
As for those performing the blessed journey of Hajj, they continue to perform various rites on the day of Eid, whilst the rest of the Ummah attend the Eid Salah (Eid prayer) and visit family and friends.
Qurbani
Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah, is a fundamental aspect of Eid ul Adha, embodying the spirit of sacrifice that defines the holiday. It involves the slaughtering of livestock – usually goats, sheep, cows, or camels – as a symbol of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.
The act of Qurbani is more than just a ritual; it is a gesture of giving and sharing, with the meat distributed among family, friends, and, importantly, to those who are less fortunate.
This practice underlines the principles of charity and community solidarity in Islam, ensuring that the joy and provision of Eid ul Adha reaches all layers of society whilst fighting food poverty and hunger.
Preparations and Planning
Preparing for Eid ul Adha involves both spiritual and communal activities. Muslims are encouraged to engage in increased prayer, fasting, and reflection during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, a time when the reward for acts of worship is multiplied more than at any other time.
It’s also a time for giving back to the community through acts of charity and sharing meals with family, friends, and those in need.
Planning for the holiday includes buying new clothes, preparing special meals, and, most importantly, performing Qurbani—the ritual animal sacrifice that is distributed among the poor and needy.
Final Thoughts
Eid ul Adha is a profound observance that encourages Muslims to reflect on and share the blessings of Allah, as well as a time dedicated to acts of worship.
The Eid al Adha celebration occurs during the best ten days of the year, in which good deeds are more beloved to Allah.
Although the first nine days of Dhul Hijjah are dedicated to worship, the tenth day, the day of Eid al Adha is also an opportunity to gain immense rewards and should also be used to seek forgiveness, giving charity and offer extra prayers.
It’s a time to come together, to celebrate the blessings bestowed upon us, and to remember those less fortunate.
In the spirit of Eid and the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah, consider participating in READ Foundation’s Orphan Sponsorship Programme.
Your support can provide orphan children with the opportunity for a better life, allowing them to break the cycle of poverty and gain access to education, empowerment, and a nurturing environment.
This Eid ul Adha, let’s extend our hands in generosity and love, embodying the true spirit of this blessed holiday.
Join us in making a significant difference this Eid ul Adha by supporting READ Foundation’s Orphan Sponsorship Programme. For as little as £30 a month over 12 months or an annual donation of £360, you can offer hope and a brighter future to those in need.
May Allah (SWT) accept all our righteous deeds and the deeds of the Ummah of His beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). We wish you all a blessed month and a blessed Eid.