U.S. Muslims to Mark End of Hajj with Eid Al-Adha

posted on: Dec 3, 2008

On Monday, December 8, American Muslims will mark the end of the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca, or Hajj, with communal prayers and celebrations at locations around the country.

The prayers, and the holiday that follows, are called Eid ul-Adha (EED-al-ODD-ha), or “festival of the sacrifice.” Eid ul-Adha commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael at God’s command. The holiday is celebrated with the prayers, small gifts for children, distribution of meat to the needy and social gatherings. During this holiday, Muslims exchange the greeting “Eid Mubarak” or “blessed Eid.” Each year, some two million Muslims, including thousands of American Muslims, go on Hajj.

Prayers are held in the morning. Many communities also hold day-long Eid festivals for families. The Eid prayers and festivals are held either in local mosques or in public facilities designed to accommodate large gatherings.