Eid al Adha

Eid al-Adha History

Eid al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is an important religious celebration observed by Muslims worldwide. This observance commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, as an act of obedience to Allah. While it is primarily a time for spiritual reflection and prayer, it also brings communities and families together, strengthening bonds through acts of charity, hospitality, and feasting.

Tracing its roots back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad, Eid al Adha has been observed for over a thousand years. South Africa, with a rich history of Muslim culture and heritage, is home to a vibrant and diverse Muslim community who actively participate in this significant event. As a nation that values unity, tolerance, and coexistence, South Africans should be aware of, and appreciate, the observance of Eid al Adha as it helps to foster understanding and strengthen relationships between various faiths and communities within the country.

In South Africa, it is common for Muslims to attend special prayer gatherings held at local mosques or open spaces on the morning of Eid al Adha. Families and friends come together to share a meal, often consisting of a sacrificial animal—usually a sheep, goat, or cow—whose meat is distributed amongst the less fortunate, emphasizing the importance of charity and sharing. This spirit of giving embodies the South African spirit of Ubuntu, and is at the core of the Eid al Adha celebration. Eid al Adha is observed on June 28th this year.

Facts about Eid al-Adha

• Unlike regular prayers, prayers for Eid al-Adha takes place in any large, open field. There Muslims from many mosques congregate together. Usually, mosques collaborate together to find a field that is convenient for everyone to go to. In the United States, Eid prayers often occur in parks.
• Festivities begin with a prayer service, followed by a brief sermon on the morning of the first day. During the prayer, Muslims recite verses from the Quran, lead by an Imam, prostrate to God, and send their peace to Muhammad and Abraham.
• The first mosque in South Africa, Auwal Mosque, was built in 1798 by a freed slave in Cape Town.
• In 1994, the first national women's Eid prayer was organized in South Africa.

In the News and Trending in South Africa for Eid al Adha

Top things to do in South Africa for Eid al-Adha

• Often, a large party is thrown by Muslims on one of the three days of Eid al-Adha. Meat from slaughtered animals is served.
• It is Islamic tradition to wear your most beautiful clothes on the first day of Eid al-Adha. A few days before Eid al-Adha, Muslims shop for their new Eid clothes. Merchants in Islamic countries often hold their biggest sales before Eid al-Adha.
• There are a number of large mosques in South Africa where special prayer services are held to mark the beginning of Eid al-Adha. Some popular mosques include the Nizamiye Mosque (Johannesburg), Grey Street Mosque (Durban), and Claremont Main Road Mosque (Cape Town).
• Picnics are a common way for South Africans to celebrate Eid al-Adha. Some popular parks include Newlands Forest in Cape Town, Johannesburg Botanical Garden, and Durban Botanical Gardens.