Eid ul Adha

Eid ul Adha (10 Dhul-Hijja) - the festival of sacrifice

Animals are sacrificed and then distributed among family, friends and the poor 

This is a four-day public holiday in Muslim countries.

The festival remembers the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son when Allah(swt),  ordered him to.

Ibrahim's sacrifice

Allah(swt),  appeared in a dream to Ibrahim and told him to sacrifice his son Isma'il. Ibrahim and Isma'il set off to Mina for the sacrifice.

As they went, the devil attempted to persuade Ibrahim to disobey Allah(swt),  and not to sacrifice his beloved son. But Ibrahim stayed true to Allah(swt), and drove the devil away.

As Ibrahim prepared to kill his son Allah(swt),  stopped him and gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead.

Celebrations

Ibrahim's complete obedience to the will of Allah(swt),  is celebrated by Muslims each year.

Each Muslim, as they celebrate, reminds themselves of their own submission to Allah(swt), and their own willingness to sacrifice anything to Allah's(swt) wishes.

During the festival Muslims who can afford to, sacrifice domestic animals, usually sheep, as a symbol of Ibraham's sacrifice. The meat is distributed among family, friends and the poor, who each get a third share.

As with all festivals there are prayers, and also presents.