The Significance and Celebration of Eid al-Adha 2023: Exploring the Start Date and Wishing You an ‘Eid Mubarak’

When is Eid al-Adha 2023?

Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of the Sacrifice” or colloquially as “Big Eid,” is one of the two major Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Its date varies each year due to the lunar cycle and the tradition of moon sighting.

Eid al-Adha falls on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar. As the Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon, Eid al-Adha moves forward around 11 days annually in the Gregorian calendar.

According to Saudi Arabia, which is followed by many Muslims around the world, Dhul-Hijjah began on Monday, 19 June 2023. This means that Eid al-Adha will start on Wednesday, 28 June 2023. The festival will last for four days, coming to an end on the evening of Sunday, 2 July 2023.

Significance and Celebration of Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha holds great significance in the Islamic faith. It commemorates the story of the prophet Ibrahim (known as Abraham in the Christian Old Testament) and his willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. However, before carrying out the request, God provided Ibrahim with a lamb to sacrifice instead.

To honor this story, Muslims traditionally sacrifice an animal, usually a sheep, and divide it into three parts, called Qurbani. One part is given to the poor, another to the immediate family at home, and the third is reserved for relatives. Some Muslims may also give money to charity to allow poorer families to have a proper Eid feast. Mosques and community groups often organize communal meals to foster a sense of unity and generosity.

The Meaning of “Eid Mubarak”

During both Eid al-Adha and the earlier Eid al-Fitr celebrations, Muslims greet each other by saying “Eid Mubarak.” The Arabic word “Mubarak” translates as “blessed,” while “Eid” means feast, festival, or celebration. So, “Eid Mubarak” can literally be interpreted as “blessed celebration” or “blessed feast,” but it is commonly used to simply wish someone a “happy Eid.”

It is worth noting that “Eid Mubarak” can be used for both Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr, but if one wishes to specify, they can say “Eid al-Fitr Mubarak” or “Eid al-Adha Mubarak.” In the same vein, at the start of the holy month of Ramadan and throughout its fasting period, Muslims greet each other by saying “Ramadan Mubarak.” Another phrase, “Ramadan Kareem,” which translates as “Generous Ramadan,” can be used to describe Ramadan in a wider context. However, there is some debate surrounding the appropriateness of using “Ramadan Kareem” due to the expectations of generosity conflicting with the principles of fasting and prayer central to observing the holy month.

Editorial and Advice

The observance of Eid al-Adha holds deep cultural and religious significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and generosity, as well as a time to strengthen family and community bonds.

As the dates of Islamic festivals vary each year, it is essential to consult reliable sources, such as Saudi Arabia’s official verdict, to determine the exact dates. Additionally, the ongoing debate regarding moon sighting and the use of technological advancements in astronomy highlights the need for greater consensus on this matter. Standardizing the start date of Eid al-Adha and other Islamic festivals could help create unity and a sense of shared experience among Muslims around the world.

Moreover, it is important to remember the core values of Eid al-Adha, such as compassion, giving to those in need, and coming together as a community. This can be done through acts of charity, participating in communal meals or events, and deepening one’s understanding of the teachings and messages behind the festival.

Overall, Eid al-Adha is a time of joy, gratitude, and spiritual reflection for Muslims globally. It is an occasion to embrace the values of selflessness, compassion, and unity, promoting understanding and harmony among individuals of different faiths and cultures.