We are taking a break from our usual numismatic post to wish all of our friends a happy Eid al-Adha. It’s a Muslim festival that is celebrated all around the world. It commemorates the story of Ibrahim’s loyalty and obedience to god above all others. It’s also known as the festival of sacrifice. Ibrahim had been told by god that he must sacrifice his son to prove his faith. So, when Ibrahim decided to follow god’s command. The devil tried to convince him to disobey gods will, but Ibrahim refused so he threw pebbles at the devil to make him go away. When Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, he realized that god had replaced his son with a lamb. Ibrahim had proved his devotion to god, so his son’s life was spared.
When does it take place?
Eid al-Adha takes place on the tenth day of the last month of the Muslim calendar. People celebrate it by going to the mosque in the morning for special prayers. Later, family and friends get together for a big meal with lots of delicious food.
Ways to celebrate Eid al-Adha
For Muslims who are performing the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, when Eid al-Adha begins they throw pebbles at three pillars in the city of Mina. This is where Muslims believe Ibrahim threw pebbles at the devil to drive him away. Hajj is an Islamic duty that must be carried out at least once in the lifetime by all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey.
Types of sacrifices
People also celebrate Eid al-Adha by sacrificing an animal like a sheep, goat or cow. When sacrificing an animal people also use it as a form of charity. They donate the meat to family, friends and people in need. Others donate with financial means directly to charities instead of sacrificing an animal.
Happy Holidays from Banknote World