Eid Al Adha 2020 in UAE: What is Eid and Arafat Day?

Eid Al Adha explainer

What is Eid Al Adha

Eid Al Adha is one of the two festivals of Islam and is celebrated by all Muslims on the 10th day of Dhu Al Hijja.

This year Eid Al Adha is expected to take place on Friday July 31, a top UAE astronomer told Gulf News. Because Eid Al Adha is a 3 day holiday, UAE residents should expect a long weekend.

What do Muslims do?

The Muslim festival Eid Al Adha marks the conclusion of the important worship of Haj or pilgrimage to Mecca.

At the end of the Haj, Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid Al Adha (Festival of Sacrifice).

During the Haj, Muslims remember the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Abraham. The Qur’an describes Abraham (PBUH) as follows:

One of Abraham’s main trials was to face the command of God to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Godis will. When he was all prepared to do it, God revealed to him that his “sacrifice” had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superceded all others, that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.

So why do Muslims sacrifice an animal on this day?

During the celebration of Eid Al Adha, Muslims commemorate Abraham’s trials, by slaughtering an animal such as a camel, sheep or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.

The meat that is retrieved from the sacrifice of Eid Al Adha is usually given away to needy people. When you sacrifice during this time, you are doing it to actually feed the poor.

The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts. It also symbolises our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need.

Duties: What Muslims should do on Eid Al Adha?

On the day of Eid, there are some things that Muslims should do in keeping with the Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) Sunnah.

Wake up early

Have a healthy breakfast

Take a shower and wear perfume to smell good

Make sure you are wearing clean and modest clothes

Perform the Eid Al Adha prayers

Generosity during Eid

Wish everyone a “Eid Mubarak” (Have a blessed Eid), or “Eid Saeed” (Happy Eid).

It is also a good Islamic practice to call family and friends over the phone, or send gifts.

Remember the true spirit of Eid is reflected in extreme generosity to the poor and the needy. So a Muslim should be charitable as best as he or she can. There’s plenty of ways you can contribute to the less fortunate this Eid, while still staying safe, like SMS donations with Dar El Ber or send a needy family a grocery delivery.

Arafat Day explainer

What is Arafat day?

A general view of empty Kaaba at the Grand Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
Image Credit: REUTERS

Taking place roughly 70 days after the end of Ramadan, Arafat Day marks the second day of Haj, or pilgrimage.

The occasion also marks the day when a verse of the Quran revealed that Islam was perfected, and when Allah’s blessings were completed.

Mount Arafat is the site where Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) gave his farewell sermon. Arafat day occurs the day before the start of Eid Al Adha, expected to be on July 28 (Wednesday) this year.

When is it?

Arafat day falls on the ninth day of Dhu Al Hijja according to the ‘hijri’ calendar. It occurs around over two months after Ramadan, which was observed in June earlier this year.

What is done?

Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat near Makkah as they perform one of the Haj rituals yesterday. The pilgrims perform a series of rituals during the annual Haj. The Haj, which officially ends on Tuesday, is the world’s largest Muslim gathering.
Image Credit: AFP

At dawn on Arafat Day, many Muslims travel from Mina to Mount Arafat, which is just outside of Mecca. They remain on Mount Arafat until Maghrib prayers. The distance between Mina and Mount Arafat is about 20km.

To complete the Haj, Muslims must stand on Mount Arafat, or the pilgrimage becomes invalid. Muslims who have completed the Haj do so to have their sins expiated. Those who are unable to travel to Mecca for Haj may fast instead.

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