The word “Eid,” meaning “Festival” or “Feast,” holds immense importance for Muslims around the world. Muslims celebrate two Eids every year – “Eid ul Fitr” and “Eid ul Adha.” Eid ul Adha is considered one of the most significant events in Islam. The literal translation of Eid ul Adha is, “Feast of Sacrifice,” and it is celebrated to commemorate a beautiful moment in Islamic history. It takes place on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth and last month of the Islamic Calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, the dates of this auspicious occasion vary every year; let’s find out when Eid ul Adha 2023 will commence around the world.
History of Eid Ul Adha
The Feast of Sacrifice – Eid ul Adha is a holiday in Islam that honors Ibrahim’s (ra) willingness to sacrifice Ismael – his son, in the way of Allah.
Allah asked his devotee, Ibrahim (ra), to sacrifice his most precious possession in Allah’s way. Ismael (ra), the son Ibrahim had begotten after many years of prayers, was indeed his most precious possession. And so, he prepared to sacrifice his son for Allah’s will.
Although Allah intervened and a lamb was placed in place of Ismael to be sacrificed. The incident Is one of the most important examples of how Allah provides relief for his servants when they put his trust and faith in Him.
If you’re looking forward to the festivities of Eid this year and wondering when Eid ul Adha will fall in the UK, USA, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and other countries in 2023, then keep on reading to find out!
When Is Eid Ul Adha 2023 In The UK?
Eid celebrations are dependant on moon sightings; therefore, the dates can vary by a day or two. The tentative expected date for Eid ul Adha 2023 in the UK is Wed, Jun 28, 2023. It would be more accurate to say that Eid ul Adha in the UK can fall on any day between June 27, 2023, and June 29, 2023.
When Is Eid Ul Adha 2023 In The USA?
It is expected that in the USA, Eid ul Adha 2022 will be celebrated on Wed, Jun 28, 2023. If you are in the USA, bear in mind that this date is tentative and may vary according to moon sighting.
When Is Eid Ul Adha 2023 In Pakistan?
According to preliminary calculations, Eid ul Adha 2022 in Pakistan will be celebrated on Wed, Jun 28, 2023.
When Is Eid Ul Adha 2023 In Saudi Arabia?
In Saudia Arabia, Eid ul Adha will tentatively fall on Wed, Jun 28, 2023, this year. Most European and North American countries follow Saudia Arabia when celebrating Eids. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that Eid ul Adha 2023 UK and USA will be celebrated on the same day as Eid ul Adha 2023 Saudia Arabia.
When Is Eid Ul Adha 2023 In Turkey?
Eid ul Adha in Turkey will be celebrated on Wed, Jun 28, 2023, this year.
Now that we know when Eid ul Adha 23 is in the UK, USA, Pakistan, and other countries, let’s take a closer look at one of the most important festivals celebrated by Muslims.
How Is Eid Ul Adha Celebrated?
Eid ul Adha is celebrated to remember Ibrahim’s (ra) absolute submission and Allah’s reward for his unwavering faith. The celebrations start with Salatul Eid or Eid prayers, after which animals are slaughtered in remembrance of the great sacrifice.
Every year on Eid ul Adha, Muslims slaughter an animal, usually a sheep, goat, or bull, and divide the meat of these animals into three equal parts:
- For family
- For relatives/friend
- For the poor
This meat is then distributed among the people. On days of Eid, men, women, and children dress up in new clothes, exchange gifts, and attend meat-filled lunches and dinners with friends and family.
Who Can Perform A Sacrifice (Qurbani) On Eid?
Sacrifice, also known as Qurbani, is mandatory in Islam for every able-bodied person who has reached the age of puberty and is also eligible to pay Zakat.
Rules to Remember
If Qurbani is due on you, remember that this is a great deed, and you will be rewarded for your sacrifice in this life and the next. However, there are certain rules you need to remember as not every animal is eligible for Qurbani.
There are specific health and age requirements for them to be eligible for the sacrifice.
You must make sure that the age of an animal is a minimum of:
- Goats and sheep should be a minimum of one year of age (equal to one person’s Qurbani)
- Buffalos or cows should be minimum of two years of age (equal to seven persons Qurbani)
- Camels should be minimum of five years in of (equal to seven persons Qurbani)
Moreover, each animal should be healthy (as in free of any diseases) and:
- The animal should not be blind, one-eyed, or have lost a third or more of their eye
- Their horns should not be broken from the roots
- They should not have a lame leg enough for them to not be able to walk
- They should not be too thin or weak
- They should not be missing a tooth or over half of their teeth
- They should not be missing a third or more of their tail or ear
How Are Animals Sacrificed?
In order to fulfill the requirements of Qurbani, slaughterhouses or slaughterers should strictly abide by the following rules:
- The animal should be slaughtered using a sharp knife to avoid causing the sacrificial animal prolonged suffering,
- The knife shouldn’t be sharpened in front of the sacrificial animal,
- An animal should not be slaughtered where another animal can see it.
In countries such as the UK, the sacrifice can only be performed by registered slaughterhouses. However, in other countries such as Pakistan, people can also perform the sacrifice in their homes. However, if you will be celebrating Eid ul Adha in the UK, make sure to choose halal slaughterhouses.
Eid ul Adha 2023 Around the World
We hope we’ve answered your query about when Eid ul Adha 2023 will be celebrated in the UK, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and other countries.
Eid ul Adha truly has special significance for every Muslim around the world to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah. It reminds us to have faith in Allah even when faced with the most difficult hardships. And to always have trust in Allah and his commands. Indeed, His plan is for our betterment, and it is He who knows best.
