tag:theconversation.com,2011:/africa/topics/eid-al-adha-42038/articlesEid al-Adha – The Conversation2021-07-19T15:10:23Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1647322021-07-19T15:10:23Z2021-07-19T15:10:23ZPasha 116: Why events like Eid celebrations can be superspreaders<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/411929/original/file-20210719-25-i41sfx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Getty Images</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>One of the elements that contribute to a rise in COVID-19 infections is gatherings. Ramadan (the month when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset) and Eid (the celebration after the month) are times when gatherings appear to have contributed to the deaths of many in the Muslim community. <a href="http://www.samj.org.za/index.php/samj/article/view/13326">Research</a> has found that Muslims make up around 2% of South Africa’s population, yet account for 5% of the total COVID deaths so far. </p>
<p>A similar trend was seen in Indonesia, which is experiencing high waves of COVID-19 cases and deaths. Many of the deaths were around the time of Ramadan and Eid. Gatherings can be superspreader events – in any religion or society.<br>
The research also looked at mortality rates in South Africa. It found that people of Indian and Malay descent were more likely than other population groups to succumb to the virus. It is important that people try to avoid gatherings when the next Eid takes place around 21 July. </p>
<p>In today’s episode of Pasha, Salim Parker, an honorary research associate at the department of medicine at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, discusses how gatherings can be superspreader events and how to avoid the risk. </p>
<hr>
<p><strong>Photo:</strong><br>
“South African Muslims gather to perform Eid al-Fitr prayer within precautions against the novel type of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, at the Quds Mosque in Cape Town, South Africa on May 14, 2021.” Byabiso Mkhabela/Anadolu Agency via <a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/south-african-muslims-gather-to-perform-eid-al-fitr-prayer-news-photo/1232881817?adppopup=true">Getty Images</a> </p>
<p><strong>Music:</strong>
“Happy African Village” by John Bartmann, found on <a href="http://freemusicarchive.org/music/John_Bartmann/Public_Domain_Soundtrack_Music_Album_One/happy-african-village">FreeMusicArchive.org</a> licensed under <a href="https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/">CC0 1</a>.</p>
<p>“Ambient guitar X1 - Loop mode” by frankum, found on <a href="https://freesound.org/people/frankum/sounds/393520/">Freesound</a> licensed under <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/">Attribution License</a>.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/164732/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
Gatherings can lead to the deaths of many people if coronavirus infections spread. It is important for people to stick to regulations such as those about avoiding close contact and confined spaces.Ozayr Patel, Digital EditorLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1436472020-07-30T12:10:23Z2020-07-30T12:10:23ZWhy is Eid celebrated twice a year and how has coronavirus changed the festival?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/350236/original/file-20200729-29-pu6dip.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=411%2C37%2C4580%2C3255&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Worshippers wearing protective face masks and gloves offer Eid al-Fitr prayers in Teheran.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.apimages.com/metadata/Index/APTOPIX-Iran-Virus-Outbreak-Ramadan-Holiday-Lockdown/fd5f9fa5779b4aefb7784268357b2ae5/37/0">AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi</a></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Editor’s note: At sundown on July 30, Muslims all over the world celebrated one of the principal festivals, Eid al-Adha. Earlier in May, Muslims celebrated Eid al-Fitr. Ken Chitwood, a scholar of global Islam, explains the two Islamic festivals.</em></p>
<h2>1. What is Eid?</h2>
<p><a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Oxford_Dictionary_of_Islam.html?id=6VeCWQfVNjkC">Eid literally means a “festival” or “feast” in Arabic</a>. Eid is celebrated twice a year as Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. </p>
<h2>2. Why is it celebrated twice a year?</h2>
<p>The two Eids recognize, celebrate and recall two distinct events that are significant to the story of the Islamic faith. </p>
<p>Eid al-Fitr means “<a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Oxford_Dictionary_of_Islam.html?id=6VeCWQfVNjkC">the feast of breaking the fast</a>.” The fast, in this instance, is that of <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-ramadan-is-called-ramadan-6-questions-answered-77291">Ramadan</a>, the holy month observed by Muslims, which recalls the revealing of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. </p>
<p>Eid celebrations can last up to three days. In many countries with large Muslim populations, it is a national holiday. Schools, offices and businesses are closed so family, friends and neighbors can enjoy the celebrations together. In Turkey and in places that were once part of the Ottoman-Turkish empire such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, it is also known as the “<a href="http://oxfordislamicstudies.com/article/opr/t125/e1342?_hi=0&_pos=4734">Lesser Bayram</a>,” meaning “lesser festival” in Turkish. </p>
<p>The other festival, Eid al-Adha, is the “<a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Oxford_Dictionary_of_Islam.html?id=6VeCWQfVNjkC">feast of the sacrifice</a>.” It commemorates the end of hajj, an annual pilgrimage by millions of Muslims to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia that is obligatory once in a lifetime, but only for those with means.</p>
<p>Eid al-Adha recalls the story of how God commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as a test of faith. A similar story is told of Abraham and Isaac, as they were known, in the Hebrew Torah and Christian Old Testament. As narrated in the Quran, it describes Satan’s attempt to tempt Ibrahim so he would disobey God’s command. Ibrahim, however, remains unmoved and informs Ismail, who is willing to be sacrificed. </p>
<p>But, just as Ibrahim attempts to kill his son, God intervenes and a ram is sacrificed in place of Ismail. This story has institutionalized the practice of sacrifice in Islam and continues to be commemorated each year.</p>
<p>During Eid al-Adha, Muslims slaughter an animal – usually a sheep, goat or cow – to remember Ibrahim’s sacrifice and remind themselves of the need to submit to the will of God. Eid al-Adha is also known as the “<a href="http://www.oxfordislamicstudies.com/article/opr/t125/e740?_hi=0&_pos=2592">Greater Bayram</a>.” </p>
<h2>3. When are they celebrated?</h2>
<p>Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the <a href="https://www.oupjapan.co.jp/en/node/2191">10th day of the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar</a>.</p>
<p>Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=ry_aBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT175&lpg=PT175&dq=islam+the+straight+path+eid+esposito&source=bl&ots=OpTvV-P-BD&sig=vO86ofKfVTFj4ZZdz2iCg2-s1P4&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiR-qaVlbzVAhWHs1QKHW53AiQQ6AEIWTAM#v=onepage&q=islam%20the%20straight%20path%20eid%20esposito&f=false">first day of the 10th month in the Islamic calendar</a>. </p>
<p>The <a href="http://referenceworks.brillonline.com/browse/encyclopaedia-of-islam-2">Islamic calendar</a> is a lunar calendar and dates are calculated based on lunar phases. Due to this, the Islamic calendar year is shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar year by 10 to 12 days. </p>
<p>Thus, Ramadan and Eid “rotate” through the Gregorian calendar and can be celebrated during different seasons in the Southern and Northern hemispheres. In 2019, for example, Eid al-Fitr was celebrated in the U.S. on June 4. In 2020, the date for Eid al-Fitr was 24 May. For Eid al-Adha, the date this year is July 31, beginning at sundown on July 30. In 2019, it fell on August 11. </p>
<h2>4. What customs are common during the two Eids?</h2>
<p>Eid al-Fitr features two to three days of celebrations that include <a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Islam.html?id=L31e4m2GUTwC">special prayers</a>. People greet each other with “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “Blessed Eid.” Gifts are given out to the poor before the morning prayers. In addition, Muslims are encouraged to forgive differences and let go of grudges. There are a multitude of other practices that vary from country to country. </p>
<p>On Eid al-Adha, <a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Hajj.html?id=EK5MqskDYC0C">pilgrims in Mecca reenact Ibrahim’s rejection</a> of Satan’s temptation. During the pilgrimage, Muslims cast stones at a pillar, which represents Satan. In remembrance of how Ibrahim was given a ram to sacrifice, they proceed to sacrifice animals.</p>
<p>Those unable to go on the pilgrimage <a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Islam.html?id=L31e4m2GUTwC">visit mosques and even family gravesites.</a></p>
<h2>5. What is the spiritual meaning of sacrifice during Eid al-Adha?</h2>
<p>The sacrifice represents how, like Ibrahim, pilgrims and practicing Muslims worldwide are willing to give up <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=L31e4m2GUTwC&source=gbs_similarbooks">even their most precious possessions</a>. </p>
<p>Charity to the poor is a highly emphasized value in Islam. <a href="http://quranexplorer.com">The Quran says</a>, “Believe in Allah and his messenger, and give charity out of the (substance) that Allah has made you heirs of. For those of you who believe and give charity – for them is a great reward.” </p>
<p>So, as part of this practice, only around a third of the meat is consumed by the family or group of friends; the rest is given to the poor and needy. </p>
<p>Furthermore, the sacrifice of animals is carried out <a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/introduction-to-islam-9780190467487?cc=us&lang=en&">according to specific instructions</a>. This is all part of the religious and moral obligation of Muslims. </p>
<h2>6. What are some of the modern-day challenges?</h2>
<p>With more than 2 million visitors normally arriving in Mecca for hajj, the pilgrimage often presents a <a href="https://tradearabia.com/index.php?/news/MISC_290820.html">logistical challenge</a> for countries providing meat for the sacrifice. Saudi authorities strive to <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/world/flash-freezing-takes-care-of-surplus-meat-from-haj-sacrifice-1.310668">find alternative methods</a> of preserving, distributing and dealing with the vast amount of meat that comes from the animal sacrifices. </p>
<p>[<em>Get facts about coronavirus and the latest research.</em> <a href="https://theconversation.com/us/newsletters/the-daily-3?utm_source=TCUS&utm_medium=inline-link&utm_campaign=newsletter-text&utm_content=coronavirus-facts">Sign up for The Conversation’s newsletter.</a>]</p>
<p>The coronavirus pandemic has led to a new set of challenges to the celebrations in 2020. Most of all, the hajj pilgrimage has been limited to <a href="https://theconversation.com/hajj-cancellation-due-to-coronavirus-is-not-the-first-time-plague-has-disrupted-this-muslim-pilgrimage-135900">only those Muslims residing in Saudi Arabia</a>. Additionally, many families are unable to get together for Eid celebrations, due to restrictions on travel and social distancing rules. </p>
<p>Leaders around the world have imposed restrictions on religious gatherings. In Saudi Arabia, for example <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/muslims-celebrating-eid-al-adha-coronavirus-200727170212075.html">people are being asked to hold Eid prayers inside mosques</a>, rather than outside, which is customary. In the U.S., <a href="https://www.amjaonline.org/fatwa/en/87758/praying-eid-prayer-at-home-due-to-covid-19coronavirus-pandemic">the Assembly of Muslim Jurists in America issued a fatwa</a> – a formal ruling on a point of Islamic law – dictating that praying be done at home this Eid.</p>
<p>The World Health Organization even issued guidelines for a “<a href="https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:IaWfNtco6OQJ:https://apps.who.int/iris/rest/bitstreams/1288874/retrieve%20&cd=3&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=ca&client=firefox-b-d">Safe Eid</a> addressing social distancing at prayer and public gatherings. It also included best practices for sacrifices and distribution of charity to the poor. </p>
<p><em>This is an updated version <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-muslims-celebrate-eid-twice-a-year-6-questions-answered-80949">of a piece first published</a> on August 28, 2017.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/143647/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ken Chitwood receives funding from the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture and the Fritz Thyssen Foundation. </span></em></p>Muslims throughout the world will celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha, or Festival of Sacrifice, beginning at sundown on July 30, but the coronavirus has changed many things.Ken Chitwood, Lecturer, Concordia College New York | Journalist-fellow, USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture, Concordia College New YorkLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1375982020-05-04T19:50:25Z2020-05-04T19:50:25ZNew findings show Australian sheep face dangerous heat stress on export ships<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/332203/original/file-20200504-42918-1c3fchm.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C8%2C5472%2C3628&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Trevor Collens/AAP</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>It’s been almost three years since thousands of Australian sheep <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/05/disgusting-death-of-2900-australian-sheep-on-ship-to-middle-east-sparks-investigation">died</a> during a voyage from Australia to the Middle East. My group’s <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/10/4/694">new research</a> provides insight into the heat stress faced by sheep exported in recent years and casts further doubt on the industry’s future.</p>
<p>We found sheep experienced heat stress on more than half of voyages to the hottest port in the Middle East, Doha, over three summers from 2016 to 2018.</p>
<p>This is the first time the extent of heat stress in live sheep exports from Australia has been quantified, and the findings do not bode well. A federal government ban on exports during the Northern Hemisphere summer is already hurting the industry. And COVID-19 looks likely to affect the annual Hajj pilgrimage and Eid al-Adha religious holiday, when our sheep meat is in high demand.</p>
<p>The future of Australia’s live sheep export industry appears bleak. Sheep farmers would be wise to seriously explore alternatives.</p>
<h2>Severe heat stress exposed</h2>
<p>Australia to the Middle East is one of the world’s longest sea transport routes of live sheep for slaughter, usually taking about 20 days. </p>
<p>The welfare risk to sheep from heat stress is highest on voyages departing Australia in our winter, and arriving in the Persian Gulf in the Northern Hemisphere summer. </p>
<p>In April 2018, whistleblowers released video footage filmed the previous year showing <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/apr/05/disgusting-death-of-2900-australian-sheep-on-ship-to-middle-east-sparks-investigation">shocking live export conditions</a> on the Awassi Express ship. More than 2,400 sheep died on the voyage from Fremantle to the Middle East. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-ban-on-live-sheep-exports-has-just-been-lifted-heres-whats-changed-123998">The ban on live sheep exports has just been lifted. Here’s what’s changed</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The footage triggered public outrage. As part of its response, the federal agriculture department established a committee, of which I was a member, to assess the heat risk facing sheep exports to the Middle East.</p>
<p>The committee recommended measures to ensure sheep experienced heat stress on fewer than 2% of voyages. Subsequent research by my group would reveal just how far the industry is from that target.</p>
<h2>Alarming findings</h2>
<p>The federal government granted us access to temperature and mortality data from 14 voyages from Australia to the Middle East in May to December, between 2016 and 2018.</p>
<p>We wanted to know at what temperatures the welfare of the sheep began to be affected by heat stress. </p>
<p>To determine this, we analysed so-called “wet bulb temperatures” on the sheep decks. This measures not just air temperature but water vapour, which affects the levels of heat stress actually experienced at a particular temperature.</p>
<p>Wet bulb temperatures typically increased from 20°C to 30°C during the 14 voyages in the Northern Hemisphere summer. Ten out of 14 ships stopped at Doha in Qatar, the hottest of the four Gulf ports. There, daily maximum <a href="http://www.livecorp.com.au/LC/files/48/48f2cd95-fd4b-43fa-be08-897c547d0ec0.pdf">wet bulb temperatures</a> from July to September exceed 27.5°C half the time, at which point heat stress in sheep increases.</p>
<p>The wet bulb temperatures at Doha exceeded 32.2°C 2% of the time, at which point sheep deaths are more common.</p>
<p>Ships docking at Doha sit in the sun for about a day and a half while some sheep are unloaded, exposing those left on board to high temperatures.</p>
<h2>The ban is not enough</h2>
<p>The federal government recently <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2020L00389">banned sheep exports</a> to the Middle East between June 1 and September 14 this year, due to heat stress risks. Shipments to Doha are banned from May 22 until September 22. </p>
<p>The government has argued that a <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/export/controlled-goods/live-animals/livestock/history/review-northern-summer#final-ris-stage">longer ban would have too great an impact on the industry</a>. But our results show mortality increases during voyages from September to November, compared with May. This suggests more sheep will die as a result of the shorter ban. </p>
<p>The government introduced other measures this year to try to improve sheep welfare on ships.</p>
<p>First, it will require temperature data to be recorded at two sheep pens per deck. However my group has shown this does not produce <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1537511016306109?via%3Dihub">representative results</a>. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-live-sheep-exports-tarnish-australias-reputation-and-should-be-stopped-94935">Grattan on Friday: Live sheep exports tarnish Australia's reputation and should be stopped</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Second, sheep can be unloaded at no more than two ports. But our results suggest that it is not the number of ports that influenced sheep deaths, but whether sheep were kept in hot conditions on board at Doha. </p>
<p>The COVID-19 pandemic has struck a further blow to sheep welfare. The federal government requires that <a href="https://www.agriculture.gov.au/export/controlled-goods/live-animals/advisory-notices/2020/2020-06">animal welfare audits</a> are conducted at holding facilities in the destination countries. But <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2020-03-18/coronavirus-concerns-for-australian-live-export-trade/12066650">quarantine requirements have made these checks difficult</a>.</p>
<p>It’s also worth remembering that heat stress is not the only challenge sheep face en route to the Middle East. They usually have <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9090700">very little space</a> and likely get stressed by <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/9/9/700">ship motion</a>.</p>
<h2>A double whammy</h2>
<p>The Australian live sheep export trade has declined from about <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/rp1920/Chronologies/LiveExport">7 million per year in the late 1980s to about 1 million per year</a> now. </p>
<p>Australia has recently been unable to meet the Middle East’s demand for sheep meat – a problem the industry <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2020-01-31/live-export-numbers-up-despite-northern-summer-trade-ban/11915498">blames partly</a> on the export ban. Middle East buyers are increasingly turning to the <a href="https://thewest.com.au/business/agriculture/qatar-looks-elsewhere-as-aussie-sheep-trade-stalls-ng-b88909508z">horn of Africa, Europe and Asia</a>. </p>
<p>Compounding this, COVID-19 looks set to force the cancellation of the annual <a href="https://theconversation.com/hajj-cancellation-wouldnt-be-the-first-plague-war-and-politics-disrupted-pilgrimages-long-before-coronavirus-135900">Hajj</a> pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia culminating in Eid al-Adha – a sheep-eating festival usually celebrated by millions of Muslims.</p>
<p>The double whammy will particularly hurt Western Australia, which in 2019 handled <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2020-01-31/live-export-numbers-up-despite-northern-summer-trade-ban/11915498">97% of sheep</a> leaving Australian ports. </p>
<p>If the festival is not cancelled, Australian sheep may be sent early to be stockpiled alive in the Middle East, to avoid the export ban. This would leave them exposed to the high temperatures the Australian government has sought to protect them from on ships.</p>
<h2>Looking ahead</h2>
<p>Some Western Australian sheep farmers have seen the writing on the wall. In the short term, some are turning to alternative livestock, such as prime lamb or beef cattle for domestic consumption or export as carcasses. This has the added benefit of keeping processing jobs in Australia. </p>
<p>In the long term, farmers would do well to look at the rising popularity of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/food-wine/9431561/The-increasing-popularity-of-vegetarianism?rm=m">vegetarianism</a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/apr/01/vegans-are-coming-millennials-health-climate-change-animal-welfare">veganism</a>, and the threat to conventional meat production posed by <a href="https://theconversation.com/no-animal-required-but-would-people-eat-artificial-meat-72372">“clean” meat</a> grown in labs. </p>
<p>Some sheep grazing has already been replaced by <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-25/sheep-numbers-on-decline-in-wa-as-farmes-choose-crops/8213700">cropping</a>, and this is likely to increase in future. </p>
<p>There is no quick fix to the problems facing live sheep exports from Australia. The sooner we shift our economic reliance to more humane alternatives, the better. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/can-meat-exports-be-made-humane-here-are-three-key-strategies-96213">Can meat exports be made humane? Here are three key strategies</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/137598/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Clive Phillips is affiliated with Voiceless as a member of their scientific advisory committee. He receives grant funding from Open Philanthropy Project. The European Union provided funding to support the modelling of data referred to in this article. </span></em></p>Sheep exported live for slaughter in the Middle East are routinely exposed to high temperatures.Clive Phillips, Professor of Animal Welfare, Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics, The University of QueenslandLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1181462019-06-03T21:02:46Z2019-06-03T21:02:46ZWhat is Eid al-Fitr and how do Muslims celebrate it? 6 questions answered<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/277697/original/file-20190603-69067-x1s9xq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Muslim women at a prayer service at a mosque in Redmond, Washington, to mark the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid-al-Fitr in 2016.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.apimages.com/metadata/Index/Inslee-Prayer-Services/fcc7cb27069e4084844b22d708433180/56/0">AP Photo/Ted S. Warren</a></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Editor’s note: Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s principal festivals, will be celebrated April 9, 2024, according to <a href="https://fiqhcouncil.org/calendar/">the Fiqh Council of North America</a>. At the middle of June, Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Adha. Ken Chitwood, a scholar of global Islam, explains the two Islamic festivals.</em> </p>
<h2>1. What is Eid?</h2>
<p>Eid literally means a <a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Oxford_Dictionary_of_Islam.html?id=6VeCWQfVNjkC">“festival” or “feast” in Arabic</a>. There are two major eids in the Islamic calendar per year – Eid al-Fitr earlier in the year and Eid al-Adha later. </p>
<p>Eid al-Fitr is a three-day-long festival and is known as the “Lesser” or “Smaller Eid” when compared to Eid al-Adha, which is four-days-long and is known as the <a href="http://www.oxfordislamicstudies.com/article/opr/t125/e740?_hi=0&_pos=2592">“Greater Eid.”</a></p>
<h2>2. Why is Eid celebrated twice a year?</h2>
<p>The two Eids recognize, celebrate and recall two distinct events that are significant to the story of Islam. </p>
<p><a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Oxford_Dictionary_of_Islam.html?id=6VeCWQfVNjkC">Eid al-Fitr means “the feast of breaking the fast.”</a> The fast, in this instance, is <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-ramadan-is-called-ramadan-6-questions-answered-77291">Ramadan</a>, which recalls the revealing of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and requires Muslims to fast from sunrise to sundown for a month.</p>
<h2>3. How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr?</h2>
<p>Eid al-Fitr features two to three days of celebrations that include <a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Islam.html?id=L31e4m2GUTwC">special morning prayers</a>. People greet each other with “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “Blessed Eid” and with formal embraces. Sweet dishes are prepared at home and gifts are given to children and to those in need. In addition, Muslims are encouraged to forgive and seek forgiveness. Practices vary from country to country.</p>
<p>In many countries with large Muslim populations, Eid al-Fitr is a national holiday. Schools, offices and businesses are closed so family, friends and neighbors can enjoy the celebrations together. In the U.S. and the U.K., Muslims may request to have the day off from school or work to travel or celebrate with family and friends. </p>
<p>In countries like Egypt and Pakistan, Muslims decorate their homes with lanterns, twinkling lights or flowers. Special food is prepared and friends and family are invited over to celebrate. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/277695/original/file-20190603-69083-1njvy5q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/277695/original/file-20190603-69083-1njvy5q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/277695/original/file-20190603-69083-1njvy5q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/277695/original/file-20190603-69083-1njvy5q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=399&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/277695/original/file-20190603-69083-1njvy5q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/277695/original/file-20190603-69083-1njvy5q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/277695/original/file-20190603-69083-1njvy5q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Fanous, the colorful lanterns of Ramadan, light up the streets of Amman, Jordan, throughout the holy month of fasting.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Ken Chitwood</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>In places like Jordan, with its Muslim majority population, the days before Eid al-Fitr can see a rush at local malls and special “Ramadan markets” as people prepare to exchange gifts on Eid al-Fitr. </p>
<p>In Turkey and in places that were once part of the Ottoman-Turkish empire such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, <a href="http://oxfordislamicstudies.com/article/opr/t125/e1342?_hi=0&_pos=4734">it is also known as the, “Lesser Bayram” or “festival” in Turkish.</a> </p>
<h2>4. How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha?</h2>
<p>The other festival, <a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Oxford_Dictionary_of_Islam.html?id=6VeCWQfVNjkC">Eid al-Adha, is the “feast of the sacrifice.”</a> It comes at the end of the <a href="https://theconversation.com/explaining-the-muslim-pilgrimage-of-hajj-83284">Hajj</a>, an annual pilgrimage by millions of Muslims to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia that is obligatory once in a lifetime, but only for those with means.</p>
<p>Eid al-Adha recalls the story of how God commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as a test of faith. The story, as narrated in the Quran, describes Satan’s attempt to tempt Ibrahim so he would disobey God’s command. Ibrahim, however, remains unmoved and informs Ismail, who is willing to be sacrificed. </p>
<p>But, just as Ibrahim attempts to kill his son, God intervenes and a ram is sacrificed in place of Ismail. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims slaughter an animal to remember Ibrahim’s sacrifice and remind themselves of the need to submit to the will of God. </p>
<h2>5. When are they celebrated?</h2>
<p>Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=ry_aBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT175&lpg=PT175&dq=islam+the+straight+path+eid+esposito&source=bl&ots=OpTvV-P-BD&sig=vO86ofKfVTFj4ZZdz2iCg2-s1P4&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiR-qaVlbzVAhWHs1QKHW53AiQQ6AEIWTAM#v=onepage&q=islam%20the%20straight%20path%20eid%20esposito&f=false">first day of the 10th month in the Islamic calendar</a>. </p>
<p>Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the <a href="https://www.oupjapan.co.jp/en/node/2191">10th day of the final month in the Islamic calendar.</a></p>
<p>The <a href="http://referenceworks.brillonline.com/browse/encyclopaedia-of-islam-2">Islamic calendar</a> is a lunar calendar, and dates are calculated based on lunar phases. Since the Islamic calendar year is shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar year by 10 to 12 days, the dates for Ramadan and Eid on the Gregorian calendar can vary year by year. </p>
<h2>6. What is the spiritual meaning of Eid al-Fitr?</h2>
<p>Eid al-Fitr, as it follows the fasting of Ramadan, is also seen as a spiritual celebration of Allah’s provision of strength and endurance. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/277720/original/file-20190603-69087-rw4o11.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/277720/original/file-20190603-69087-rw4o11.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/277720/original/file-20190603-69087-rw4o11.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/277720/original/file-20190603-69087-rw4o11.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/277720/original/file-20190603-69087-rw4o11.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/277720/original/file-20190603-69087-rw4o11.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/277720/original/file-20190603-69087-rw4o11.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">People distribute food and drinks during the Eid celebrations in Casablanca, Morocco.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://www.apimages.com/metadata/Index/Morocco-Eid/a00f0d31743b4a32a8c74b24d8740304/4/0">AP Photo/Abdeljalil Bounhar</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Amid the reflection and rejoicing, Eid al-Fitr is a time for charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr. Eid is meant to be a time of joy and blessing for the entire Muslim community and a time for distributing one’s wealth.</p>
<p>Charity to the poor is a highly emphasized value in Islam. <a href="http://quranexplorer.com">The Quran says</a>, </p>
<blockquote>
<p>“Believe in Allah and his messenger, and give charity out of the (substance) that Allah has made you heirs of. For those of you who believe and give charity – for them is a great reward.” </p>
</blockquote>
<p><em>This piece incorporates materials from an <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-muslims-celebrate-eid-twice-a-year-6-questions-answered-80949">article first published</a> on Aug. 28, 2017. The dates have been updated.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/118146/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ken Chitwood does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Muslims throughout the world will celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, a celebration at the end of Ramadan. Here’s an introduction to this important feast and its partner, Eid al-Adha.Ken Chitwood, Senior Research Fellow, Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at IUPUI and Journalist-fellow, USC Dornsife Center for Religion and Civic Culture, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and SciencesLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/832842017-09-01T01:09:20Z2017-09-01T01:09:20ZExplaining the Muslim pilgrimage of hajj<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/184264/original/file-20170831-25608-184cppy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Muslims start the hajj by circling the Kaaba, the black, cube-shaped house of God.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/76868981@N04/7046120441/in/photolist-bJDd8c-bJDcVB-bvJqzh-bvJqps-bvJqa5-bJDdzt-bJDdD8-bvJrjq-UXioFx-bJDeJ8-bJDeik-bvJrLu-bJDen6-bJDdvx-bJDeDT-UUv7ZY-bvJqJo-bJDf1Z-bJDh3c-bJDgPc-bJDeyX-bvJrzj-bvJr8J-4jm9Qy-5xJFjV-bvJtZ9-bJDgKn-bJDe3n-bvJs97-bJDeX8-bJDeSD-6swosD-bJDdV4-DzA3BL-66teWG-GoPNXs-WgkeQE-oy7hPr-ogmKsH-3fy5NJ-8TmNoJ-4qY7BM-TSsycj-8XnFcZ-5GFF6S-bJDe8c-WiLAgB-5GBNZM-38PLcY-WW4FUY">UmmSqueaky</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/">CC BY-NC</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Around <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/more-than-17-million-muslims-gather-for-start-of-hajj/2017/08/30/5f03d726-8d60-11e7-9c53-6a169beb0953_story.html?utm_term=.c7c4707d4140">1.7 million Muslims</a> have gathered this year in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage – <a href="http://www.dictionary.com/browse/hajj">the hajj</a>. The five-day pilgrimage <a href="http://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/history/middle-east-history/hajj-pilgrimage-islam?format=HB&isbn=9781107030510#r1EAFLxwIhcoTB6d.97">is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation</a> for all Muslims who have the physical and financial ability to undertake the journey.</p>
<p>So, what is the hajj and what is its spiritual significance? </p>
<h2>The fifth pillar</h2>
<p>Millions of Muslims from diverse countries such as Indonesia, Russia, India, Cuba, Fiji, the United States, Nigeria and others congregate in Mecca during the last month of the Muslim lunar year. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/184265/original/file-20170831-32045-gdggwc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/184265/original/file-20170831-32045-gdggwc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/184265/original/file-20170831-32045-gdggwc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/184265/original/file-20170831-32045-gdggwc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/184265/original/file-20170831-32045-gdggwc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/184265/original/file-20170831-32045-gdggwc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/184265/original/file-20170831-32045-gdggwc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Pilgrims dressed in white garments.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/aljazeeraenglish/4123390204/in/photolist-7hnsfy-dqsVVf-7duYF4-8RpkCH-79riDe-f7bkTc-4Hh1A1-5VrCdR-5EQert-aECwxs-WfuiKx-5Zp6RG-5vEWkL-5Zp3Nd-UkvMJu-bbLaB4-baMrWa-dnXjRu-aaj4Pe-7yfUEo-6X522A-aNLLcn-dtNpmB-prVQPP-xpBTq-efCN2o-7ZiP1B-7ab1dG-7ab1du-eg4WRc-689Sed-fntKkM-RaUt4-5YD77K-7iU1uN-Sk6Z3y-5Xbum3-8UiyE8-vNjgG-pS5hEz-62kErs-dtw7BT-RtMFKv-5L8q5Y-5MNzJw-aECKRw-S8Wdyh-2jjQt-Jq48b-baj3MZ">Al Jazeera English</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/">CC BY-NC</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Pilgrims wear plain, white garments. Men drape seamless, unstitched clothing and women dress in plain white dresses and headscarves. The idea behind dressing simply is to mask any differences in wealth and status. </p>
<p>The pilgrimage is considered the fifth pillar of Islamic practice (the other four being the profession of faith, five daily prayers, charity and <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-ramadan-is-called-ramadan-6-questions-answered-77291">the fast of Ramadan</a>). In calling Muslims to perform the hajj, the Quran <a href="http://www.quranexplorer.com/quran/">says</a>,</p>
<blockquote>
<p>“Proclaim to men the pilgrimage: they will come to thee on foot and on every lean camel, coming from every remote path.” </p>
</blockquote>
<p>The rites of the hajj are believed to retrace events from the lives of prominent prophets such as Ibrahim and Ismail. </p>
<h2>The first day of the hajj</h2>
<p>Pilgrims start by circling <a href="http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195125580.001.0001/acref-9780195125580">the “Holy Kaaba</a>,” the black, cube-shaped house of God (at the center of the most sacred mosque in Mecca), seven times.</p>
<p>The Kaaba occupies a central place in the lives of Muslims. In all parts of the world, Muslims are expected to turn toward the Kaaba when performing their daily prayers.</p>
<p>Specific rules <a href="http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195125580.001.0001/acref-9780195125580">concerning going around</a> the Kaaba are prescribed for pilgrims. They may also kiss, touch or approach the Kaaba during the pilgrimage as a sign of their respect and continued devotion.</p>
<p>The Quran tells the story of Ibrahim’s sacrifice, who when commanded by God, agreed to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Muslims believe the Kaaba holds the black stone upon which Ibrahim was called to sacrifice Ismail. </p>
<p>In performing the rituals, they join in a long line of pilgrims to Mecca – <a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-life-of-muhammad-9780196360331?cc=us&lang=en&">including Prophet Muhammad</a> – who circled the Kaaba. </p>
<p>Pilgrims then proceed to a ritual walking – about 100 meters from the Kaaba – to hills known as “Safa” and “Marwah.” Here they re-create <a href="http://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/history/middle-east-history/hajj-pilgrimage-islam?format=HB&isbn=9781107030510">another significant event</a> recorded in the Quran: when Ibrahim was granted a son by God through his Egyptian slave girl Hajar. After the birth of Ismail, God instructed Ibrahim to take Hajar and her newborn son out into the desert and leave them there. Ibrahim left them near the present-day location of the Kaaba. Ismail cried out with thirst and Hajar ran between two hills, looking for water until she turned to God for help.</p>
<p>God rewarded Hajar for her patience and sent his angel Jibreel to reveal a spring, which today is known as “Zamzam Well.” Pilgrims drink water from the sacred well and may take some home for blessings.</p>
<h2>The second day of the hajj</h2>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/184267/original/file-20170831-22397-zsohp9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/184267/original/file-20170831-22397-zsohp9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/184267/original/file-20170831-22397-zsohp9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/184267/original/file-20170831-22397-zsohp9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/184267/original/file-20170831-22397-zsohp9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=504&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/184267/original/file-20170831-22397-zsohp9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=504&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/184267/original/file-20170831-22397-zsohp9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=504&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Pilgrims praying on Arafat.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/aljazeeraenglish/4135906354/in/photolist-7itASf-7ipEj8-7m6S5M-4kgEVJ-7iw61y-8TRppx-97r2W7-arbDH-7iscY6-7ifhd9-7ygqjr-7hX95R-fBsJ1X-7ykfkW-7ygrB8-7ygrne-7ykeTq-an6Zn-8TULHS-5Hycc7-5HtS4v-7ykf8J-5Hu33g-5HtUxP-7ygrbR-5HyeCd-5HtTPn-5HyrAE-8TUqFh-7ygrRD-8TRKpi-5HtRhv-8TRnNz-8TREd4-7ykdSq-4qY7wP-an6Zo-arbS4-qXKmg2-dcec1H-8TRzCc-8TUp9s-8TRU4c-7rR3ib-8TUVES-8TRJ9r-8TRH3K-8TRSuH-8TUUFE-8TRx2n">Al Jazeera English</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The hajj “climaxes” with a sojourn into the plains of Arafat near Mecca. There, pilgrims gather in tents, spend time with one another and perform prayers. Some pilgrims will ascend a hill known as the “Mount of Mercy,” where Prophet Muhammad delivered the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farewell_Sermon">farewell sermon</a> toward the end of his life. </p>
<p>They then proceed to an open plain near Mecca, often a highlight of the journey for many pilgrims. Muslims believe that the <a href="http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195125580.001.0001/acref-9780195125580">spirit of God comes closer to Earth</a> in this place at the time of the pilgrimage.</p>
<p>As a scholar of global Islam, during my fieldwork I have interviewed those who have gone on the hajj. They have described to me their personal experiences. </p>
<p>Many pilgrims, when standing in the plains of Arafat, <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=LkmkAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA60&lpg=PA60&dq=a+close+communion+with+god+plains+of+arafat&source=bl&ots=xfljL0qqXO&sig=ST3pnAIcye_QJ2ZbbcPA2gfMBIM&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjitdWOp4LWAhVDQiYKHamnA9QQ6AEIPjAG#v=onepage&q=a%20close%20communion%20with%20god%20plains%20of%20arafat&f=false">feel a close communion with God.</a> </p>
<h2>Final three days</h2>
<p>Afterwards, pilgrims move to Mina, also known as the Tent City, about five kilometers from the holy city of Mecca. Here, they reenact another part of the story of Ibrahim’s test of faith in the sacrifice of his son. </p>
<p>They recall how Satan tried to tempt Ibrahim to disobey <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-muslims-celebrate-eid-twice-a-year-6-questions-answered-80949">God’s call to sacrifice Ismail</a>. Ibrahim, however, remained unmoved and informed Ismail, who was willing to be sacrificed. To reenact Ibrahim’s rebuff of Satan’s temptation, pilgrims throw small stones at a stone pillar.</p>
<p>They then proceed to follow Ibrahim in the act of sacrifice. The Quran says just as Ibrahim attempted to kill his son, God intervened and a ram was sacrificed in place of Ismail. In remembrance, Muslims all over the world sacrifice an animal on this day. The <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-muslims-celebrate-eid-twice-a-year-6-questions-answered-80949">“festival of the sacrifice” is known as Eid al-Adha</a>. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/184266/original/file-20170831-2020-czju2i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/184266/original/file-20170831-2020-czju2i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/184266/original/file-20170831-2020-czju2i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/184266/original/file-20170831-2020-czju2i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/184266/original/file-20170831-2020-czju2i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/184266/original/file-20170831-2020-czju2i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/184266/original/file-20170831-2020-czju2i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Pilgrims stoning the devil in Mina.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/aljazeeraenglish/4142094316/in/photolist-7iXrgk-7iXrAK-7iXrqk-7j2iPq-8U9pyc-7iXrtK-7iXrxn-7j2jd3-7j2jfj-7ykkpd-7j2iSQ-7j2jkf-7j2j7E-7iXrcV-7j2jFy-7j2jJU-7ykk2L-7iXr7Z-7iXriZ-7iXryR-7j2job-7j2iVd-7iBtP1-7j2jGS-7iXrSX-7ykhiS-7ygxAz-7iXrLe-7j2j2d-7ygwp8-8UbHdp">Al Jazeera English</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Many pilgrims spend the next few days repeating the stoning at Mina (at least six more times) and going around the Holy Kaaba in Mecca (at least once more). Pilgrims also start to put on their everyday clothes <a href="http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195125580.001.0001/acref-9780195125580">to indicate a transition to their worldly life</a>. </p>
<p>It is believed that a proper performance of the hajj can absolve Muslim pilgrims of any previous sins. However, Muslims also believe that just undertaking the pilgrimage is not enough: <a href="http://www.cambridge.org/us/academic/subjects/history/middle-east-history/hajj-pilgrimage-islam#O3cwEbjxDttkhEyF.97">It is up to God to judge the pilgrimage as acceptable or not.</a> </p>
<h2>Creating one Muslim community</h2>
<p>The hajj is a massive <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/08/world/meast/how-hi-tech-manages-millions-during-the-hajj/index.html">organizational project</a> for the Saudi authorities. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/08/world/meast/how-hi-tech-manages-millions-during-the-hajj/index.html">Issues concerning</a> crowd management, security, traffic and tensions constantly plague the successful organization of the annual event. A deadly stampede in 2015 left <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/25/middleeast/hajj-pilgrimage-stampede/index.html">over 700 dead</a>.</p>
<p>There are other ongoing tensions as well: Some <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-shia-sunni-divide-78216">Shia</a> governments such as Iran, for example, have leveled <a href="http://www.alterinter.org/spip.php?article4502">charges alleging discrimination</a> by <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-shia-sunni-divide-78216">Sunni</a> Saudi authorities. Furthermore, this year, citizens of <a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/08/hajj-qataris-year-saudi-row-170825192148831.html">Qatar were not able to perform the hajj</a> following the decision by Saudi Arabia and three other Arab nations to severe diplomatic ties with the country.</p>
<p>To address such issues, <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=6VeCWQfVNjkC&q=OIC#v=snippet&q=OIC&f=false">many Muslims have called</a> for the <a href="http://www.oic-oci.org/">Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC)</a>, an intergovernmental organization, to put together an international, multi-partisan committee to organize the pilgrimage.</p>
<p>Perhaps that could help avoid regional or sectarian conflicts. The hajj, after all, is any individual Muslim’s <a href="http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780195125580.001.0001/acref-9780195125580">single most</a> symbolic ritual act that reflects <a href="http://imjcr.com/journals/imjcr/Vol_3_No_1_June_2014/3.pdf">the ideal of unity</a>.</p>
<p>By requiring Muslims to don the same clothes, pray in the same spaces and perform the same rituals, the hajj creates a global Muslim community, with no class distinctions.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/83284/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ken Chitwood does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Each year, Muslims from all over the world go on a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, known as hajj. A scholar explains its spiritual significance.Ken Chitwood, Ph.D. Candidate, Religion in the Americas, Global Islam, University of FloridaLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/809492017-08-29T01:27:01Z2017-08-29T01:27:01ZWhy Muslims celebrate Eid twice a year: 6 questions answered<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/183635/original/file-20170828-1612-1wnyyra.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C12%2C2029%2C1293&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Muslims saying Eid prayers.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/iioc/2143824090/in/photolist-4grEdj-97qcDA-7m6S5M-azpJNa-8UmW5w-4gnAcc-4gnztg-4grBjN-4gnA7i-4grBpG-4grBuW-4grBAW-azsps9-7k8Cpz-4gnxTP-8TRk2k-4gnAke-azpLgZ-4grEns-dnYEaC-8Utw7d-8Uw7He-azsr4y-4grEsu-8Suuxc-dnYy78-dnYySF-dnYyF4-7kcwPJ-8U9xPG-94EVPR-8U6tFD-dnYDbA-dnYENS-dnYxGR-dnYzoK-dnYF1G-8U9xSW-M987uB-gQTHth-gUszJc-LbN59b-M62wcY-M9829B-M1YgT2-LGrXGu-M62uhA-LGrZjC-M62uab-M984jD">IIOC Masjid Omar AlFarouk</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/">CC BY-NC-ND</a></span></figcaption></figure><p><em>Editor’s note: At sundown on June 28, Muslims all over the world celebrated one of the principal festivals, Eid al-Adha. Earlier in April, Muslims celebrated Eid al-Fitr. Scholar Ken Chitwood explains the two Islamic festivals.</em></p>
<h2>1. What is Eid?</h2>
<p><a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Oxford_Dictionary_of_Islam.html?id=6VeCWQfVNjkC">Eid literally means a “festival” or “feast” in Arabic</a>. It is celebrated twice a year as Eid al-Adha, (pronounced eed al-Ahd-huh) and Eid al-Fitr. </p>
<h2>2. Why is it celebrated twice a year?</h2>
<p>The two Eids recognize, celebrate and recall two distinct events that are significant to the story of the Islamic faith. </p>
<p><a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Oxford_Dictionary_of_Islam.html?id=6VeCWQfVNjkC">Eid al-Fitr means “the feast of breaking the fast.”</a> The fast, in this instance, is that of <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-ramadan-is-called-ramadan-6-questions-answered-77291">Ramadan</a>, which recalls the revealing of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. </p>
<p>Eid celebrations can last up to three days. In many countries with large Muslim populations, it is a national holiday. Schools, offices and businesses are closed so family, friends and neighbors can enjoy the celebrations together. Saudi Arabia has announced a <a href="https://www.khaleejtimes.com/region/saudi-arabia/saudi-arabia-announces-16-day-eid-al-adha-holiday">16-day holiday</a> this year for Eid. In Turkey and in places that were once part of the Ottoman-Turkish empire such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Azerbaijan and the Caucasus, <a href="http://oxfordislamicstudies.com/article/opr/t125/e1342?_hi=0&_pos=4734">it is also known as the, “Lesser Bayram”</a> (meaning “lesser festival” in Turkish). </p>
<p>The other festival, <a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Oxford_Dictionary_of_Islam.html?id=6VeCWQfVNjkC">Eid al-Adha, is the “feast of the sacrifice.”</a> It commemorates the end of Hajj, an annual pilgrimage by millions of Muslims to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia that is obligatory once in a lifetime, but only for those with means.</p>
<p>Eid al-Adha recalls the story of how God commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as a test of faith (the story is of Abraham and Isaac in the Hebrew Torah and Christian Old Testament). The story, as narrated in the Quran, describes Satan’s attempt to tempt Ibrahim so he would disobey God’s command. Ibrahim, however, remains unmoved and informs Ismail, who is willing to be sacrificed. </p>
<p>But, just as Ibrahim attempts to kill his son, God intervenes and a ram is sacrificed in place of Ismail. This story has institutionalized the ideal of sacrifice in Islam and continues to be commemorated each year. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims slaughter an animal to remember Ibrahim’s sacrifice and remind themselves of the need to submit to the will of God. Eid al-Adha is <a href="http://www.oxfordislamicstudies.com/article/opr/t125/e740?_hi=0&_pos=2592">also known as the “Greater Bayram</a>.” </p>
<h2>3. When are they celebrated?</h2>
<p>Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the <a href="https://www.oupjapan.co.jp/en/node/2191">10th day of the 12th and final month in the Islamic calendar.</a></p>
<p>Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=ry_aBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT175&lpg=PT175&dq=islam+the+straight+path+eid+esposito&source=bl&ots=OpTvV-P-BD&sig=vO86ofKfVTFj4ZZdz2iCg2-s1P4&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiR-qaVlbzVAhWHs1QKHW53AiQQ6AEIWTAM#v=onepage&q=islam%20the%20straight%20path%20eid%20esposito&f=false">first day of the 10th month in the Islamic calendar</a>. </p>
<p>The <a href="http://referenceworks.brillonline.com/browse/encyclopaedia-of-islam-2">Islamic calendar</a> is a lunar calendar, and dates are calculated based on lunar phases. Due to this, the Islamic calendar year is shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar year by 10 to 12 days. </p>
<p>Thus, Ramadan and Eid “rotate” through the Gregorian calendar and can be celebrated during different seasons in the Southern and Northern hemispheres. In 2017, for example, Eid al-Fitr was celebrated on June 25. In 2018, the date for Eid al-Fitr will be June 15. For Eid al-Adha, the date this year is September 1. In 2018, it will fall on August 21. </p>
<h2>4. What customs are common during the two Eids?</h2>
<p>Eid al-Fitr features two to three days of celebrations that include <a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Islam.html?id=L31e4m2GUTwC">special prayers</a>. People greet each other with “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “Blessed Eid.” Gifts are given out to the poor before the morning prayers. In addition, Muslims are encouraged to forgive differences and let go of grudges. There are a multitude of other practices that vary from country to country. </p>
<p>On Eid al-Adha, <a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Hajj.html?id=EK5MqskDYC0C">pilgrims in Mecca reenact Ibrahim’s rejection</a> of Satan’s temptation. During the pilgrimage, Muslims cast stones at a pillar, which represents Satan. In remembrance of how Ibrahim was given a ram to sacrifice as a substitute for his son, they proceed to sacrifice animals such as goats, cattle, sheep or camels. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/534637/original/file-20230628-15-559n37.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A large number of people gathered around a black structure, the Kaaba." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/534637/original/file-20230628-15-559n37.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/534637/original/file-20230628-15-559n37.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=390&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/534637/original/file-20230628-15-559n37.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=390&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/534637/original/file-20230628-15-559n37.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=390&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/534637/original/file-20230628-15-559n37.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=491&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/534637/original/file-20230628-15-559n37.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=491&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/534637/original/file-20230628-15-559n37.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=491&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Muslim pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, located in the center of the Masjid al-Haram, Saudi Arabia.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/muslim-pilgrims-circumambulate-the-kaaba-islams-holiest-news-photo/1161809345?adppopup=true">Ashraf Amra/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Those unable to go on the pilgrimage <a href="https://books.google.com/books/about/Islam.html?id=L31e4m2GUTwC">visit mosques and even family gravesites.</a>.</p>
<h2>5. What is the spiritual meaning of sacrifice during Eid al-Adha?</h2>
<p>The sacrifice represents how, like Ibrahim, pilgrims and practicing Muslims worldwide are willing to give up <a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=L31e4m2GUTwC&source=gbs_similarbooks">even their most precious possessions</a>. </p>
<p>Charity to the poor is a highly emphasized value in Islam. <a href="http://quranexplorer.com">The Quran says</a>, </p>
<blockquote>
<p>“believe in Allah and his messenger, and give charity out of the (substance) that Allah has made you heirs of. For those of you who believe and give charity – for them is a great reward.” (57.7)</p>
</blockquote>
<p>So, as part of this practice, only around a third of the meat is consumed by the family or group of friends; the rest is given to the poor and needy. </p>
<p>Furthermore, the sacrifice of animals too is carried out <a href="https://global.oup.com/academic/product/introduction-to-islam-9780190467487?cc=us&lang=en&">through specific instructions</a> that minimize their suffering. This is part of the moral obligation of Muslims. </p>
<h2>6. What are some of the modern-day challenges?</h2>
<p>With more than two million arriving in Mecca these days, the pilgrimage presents a <a href="https://tradearabia.com/index.php?/news/MISC_290820.html">logistical challenge</a> for countries providing meat for the sacrifice. Saudi authorities strive to <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/world/flash-freezing-takes-care-of-surplus-meat-from-haj-sacrifice-1.310668">find alternative methods</a> of preserving, distributing and dealing with the vast amount of meat that comes from the animal sacrifices. </p>
<p>In the U.S. <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2016/09/12/eid-al-adha-muslims/90261968/">Muslims consume halal meat</a> – that is, meat that has been prepared by adhering to the rules – but they are not allowed to perform the sacrifice themselves. Food laws require that meat be acquired from certified butchers who follow standard federal and halal rules. However, some Muslims might send money to their friends and relatives in other countries to help fund a sacrifice.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/80949/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ken Chitwood does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Muslims throughout the world will celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) beginning this Friday evening. Here’s an introduction to this important feast.Ken Chitwood, Senior Research Fellow, Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at IUPUI and Journalist-fellow, USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture, University of Southern CaliforniaLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.