Eid al-Adha is fast approaching (Picture: Getty Images)
Ramadan began on Thursday, March 23, with muslims fasting until Eid al-Fitr which took place from Thursday, April 23, until Friday, April 24.
However, many may not be aware that there are, in fact, two Eids every year.
Eid al-Adha is fast approaching, the annual festival marking the culmination of the sacred pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorating the sacrifice of Abraham.
In the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah and lasts for four days, meaning that the date changes each year.
So, when will this take place in 2023? And why are there two Eids? Let’s find out.
When is Eid al-Adha in 2023?
Eid al-Fitr literally translated means ‘Feast of the Sacrifice’ and is one of two main holidays that muslims celebrate each year.
The start of Eid al-Adha, like Eid al-Fitr, is dictated by the moon (Picture: Getty Images)
Like the start of Ramadan, the date of Eid al-Adha is determined by a moon sighting and religious leaders look out for a new moon, which signals the start of the celebration.
Based on this, in 2023 it is predicted that Eid al-Adha will take place from June 28 to July 3.
Muslims also often decorate their homes and invite families and friends over for the occasion. Sweets and gifts are also often exchanged
In many Muslim countries, Eid al-Adha is a public holiday.
Why are there two Eids?
In the Islamic calendar, Eid occurs twice a year – this is because ‘Eid’ is just the word to describe a Muslim festival.
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Eid al-Fitr is the first and smallest of the two celebrations. Then, later in the year, Eid al-Adha occurs.
This holiday honours the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail in God’s name.
God gave Ibrahim a lamb to kill in place of his son due to his willingness to sacrifice him, therefore during Eid al-Adha, animals are ritually sacrificed.
Part of the meat from the animal is eaten by the family who offered it and the rest is given to the poor.
Eid al-Adha is a four-day celebration during which sweets and gifts are exchanged and families come together.
MORE : Awe-inspiring pictures show evening prayers in Mecca for Ramadan
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Eid al-Adha is just around the corner.
