Here’s How Eid al-Adha is Celebrated around the World

July 25, 2020December 28, 2020 Team Grill Post 0 Comments bakrid, featured

Eid al-Adha is round the corner marking the beginning of the month of August 2020. With only a few days left, muslims around the world are gearing up for the festival in line with outlined COVID-19 directions. In these times of hardship, every individual is remembering the good old times when celebration was marked crowd gathering and exchange of greetings. To refresh those memories, we bring to you glimpses of the past of how people celebrated Eid al-Adha in 2019 around the globe.

Indian children play after Eid al-Adha prayers at the Jama Masjid mosque in New Delhi, India (Image Courtesy: EPA)

What is the Significance of Eid al-Adha?

Eid-al-Adha (the greater Eid) marks the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, at the time of Qurbani (sacrifice). The day of Eid-ul-Adha falls on the tenth day in the final (twelfth) month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar; Dhu-al-Hijjah. The celebration of Eid-ul-Adha is to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah SWT and his readiness to sacrifice his son, Ismail. At the very point of sacrifice, Allah SWT replaced Ismail with a ram, which was to be slaughtered in place of his son. This command from Allah SWT was a test of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness and commitment to obey his Lord’s command, without question. Therefore, Eid-ul-Adha means the festival of sacrifice.

Eid al-Adha in China

China was one of the first places in the world that received the message of Islam outside Middle East. The country accommodates a huge Muslim population, and so Eid al-Adha celebrations begin weeks before.

Waiting for Eid prayers at Nunjie Mosque in Beijing, China’s oldest mosque
*Credit: Serendipity Tailormade on Facebook*

On the morning of Eid al-Adha, local Chinese Muslims throng the mosques to complete their prayers, and then reunite with their families to feast and spend time together. It is said that Sa’d ibn Waqqas along with nine other companions travelled from Mecca to China just to spread Islam.

A Chinese Muslim imam recites du’a for the congregation at The Great Mosque of Xi’an, China
*Credit: Park Hotel Group on Facebook*

Eid al-Adha in Japan

In Japan muslims are an extreme minority, still the festival is celebrated with much gratitude. The biggest mosque in Japan Tokyo Camii is filled to its edge with worshippers. At times, not enough spaces are found that can accommodate all muslims and thus, celebrations are held in public places like the Korean International School in Osaka.

Eid Al Adha feast at a mosque in Niigata, Japan
*Credit: Anas Ridhwan Fauzi on Facebook*

Eid al-Adha in Kosovo

Muslims in Kosovo (Balkans) commemorate Eid al-Adha dressing up smartly in their finest clothes for Eid prayers. Young children draped in bright traditional Kosovo costumes and colourful skull caps often sit on their father’s laps, following along with the du’as for the well-being of the congregation made the imam.

Eid al-Adha in Kazakhstan

“Share the good actions so there will be more, share the bad actions so they will not commit more.”
– Kazakh saying
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Just as the spirit of celebrating Eid al-Adha encourages Muslims to look after one another, Kazakh culture places a heavy importance on brotherhood and sharing amongst its people.

Credit: *Swedish Muslims Dawah on Facebook*

Credit: *Mary Jane D. Sevilla on Facebook*

Eid al-Adha in Indonesia

Since Indonesia is the most populous Muslim nation in the world, Eid al-Adha is quite a sight here, with all of them flooding mosques, streets and even markets everywhere to complete their Eid prayers in congregation.

Eid al-Adha in Egypt

A carnival-like atmosphere is created at the time of Eid al-Adha celebration in Egypt that spreads warmth and happiness in people. One of the most beautiful views is at Al-Seddik Mosque in Cairo where Eid al-Adha congregations pray underneath a huge swath of balloons that are released after prayers are completed.