Eid al-Adha is a holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide, and is also called "the Feast of the sacrifice." It honors Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, to reveal his devotion to God's commands. Satisfied with his devotion, God intervened to sacrifice a lamb in the place of Ishmael. The lamb was then divided into thirds: one third to the family; one third to relatives, friends and neighbors; and one third to the poor and needy. Today, the holiday is celebrated by the gathering of friends and family, gift giving, the wearing of new clothing, prayer, and lots of food.
Eid al-Adha begins with a Sunnah prayer, which contains two rakats followed by a sermon. Celebrations start after the descent of the Hujjaj, and at this point a sacrifice is made, much like the original story tells, of a lamb or other livestock. Men, women, and children are expected to dress in their finest clothing to perform Eid prayer in a large congregation in an open waqt (stopping) field called Eidgah or mosque. Affluent Muslims who can afford to sacrifice their best halal domestic animals, usually a cow, but sometimes a camel, sheep, goat, or ram. This is a symbol of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Ishmael.
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