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Eid al-Adha: A Celebration of Faith, Culture, and Unity
Hmoud is a rising junior at High Tech High and lives in Clairemont.
The Joyful Preparations
Eid al-Adha is a day I look forward to every year. It’s a time of communal prayer, attending mosque, visiting with family and friends, exchanging gifts, and helping those in need. But it requires planning and preparation.
A Week Prior to Eid
My dad, siblings, and I start preparing by decorating our house while my grandma and mom make Palestinian ma’amoul, a soft butter cookie filled with dates or nuts.
The Night Before Eid
We assemble goodie bags to be given to kids at the mosque. I also choose my outfit and lay out everything I’m going to wear. Dressing up in traditional clothing is one of my favorite things about Eid because it connects me to my culture and identity.
A Morning Filled with Happiness
Waking up on the day of Eid is always a special feeling. The smell of bakhoor incense fills the air, and the sound of takbeerat al Eid, Allahu Akbar (God is the greatest), along with words of gratitude and worship, plays on the TV. Those are the best vibes for me.
Getting Ready for Eid Prayer
After getting out of bed, we start preparing to go to the Eid prayer. While my parents prepare breakfast, my siblings and I get ready for the day. We head to the mosque to perform the communal prayer and meet our relatives and friends. Afterwards, we gather at our house for a breakfast filled with love and joy. Sharing tea and ma’amoul together as a big family is my favorite moment.
The Significance of Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is the second holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide each year. It follows the completion of the annual hajj or pilgrimage, where Muslims renew and strengthen their faith through acts of worship. Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, which was replaced by Allah with a ram, is honored on this day. Eid al-Adha is therefore known as the festival of sacrifice.
Sacrifice in the Modern Context
Today, Muslims commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice by slaughtering an animal, preferably a goat or a sheep. This act holds deep meaning for those who perform it with good intentions and full hearts, as they are rewarded generously by Allah.
Celebrating Eid with Tradition and Unity
On Eid, Muslims celebrate with family, friends, and the community through various practices. People dress in their finest traditional clothing, and it is heartwarming to witness children proudly showcasing their heritage while parents impart cultural knowledge.
A Personal Connection
As a Palestinian, I have always worn a thobe, a traditional embroidered handmade dress, on the day of Eid. It is a symbol of my cultural identity and reflects the history of my people. Donning my thobe on Eid and other special occasions allows me to maintain a strong connection to my ethnic heritage.
Unity Through Acts of Kindness
During Eid al-Adha, Muslims not only celebrate but also give back to the community. When animals are slaughtered, part of the meat is consumed by the family and friends, while the rest is distributed to the poor and needy. Additionally, gifting money to children and engaging in communal activities like games, face painting, and henna further foster unity and joy.
A Day of Joy and Blessings
Eid is a time when Muslims from all walks of life come together to celebrate their faith, regardless of race, ethnicity, or color. It is a moment for our diverse community in the United States to embrace our pluralism, enjoy the multicultural essence of Islam, and foster unity in our society.
Eid Mubarak!
