The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has announced a four-day holiday for Eid Al Adha for the private and public sectors.
The holiday of Eid Al Adha will begin on the 9th of the Zul Hijjah and last until the 12th. The Zul Hijjah moon was sighted on Thursday evening in Saudi Arabia, indicating that Friday, August 2, would be the first day of the Islamic month of Zul Hijjah. Eid Al Adha, therefore, will begin on August 11.
Public and private sector employees in UAE will enjoy holidays from Zul Hijjah 9 (August 10) until Zul Hijjah 12 (August 13).
What is Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha is one of the two major festivals in Islam, celebrated on the 10th of Zul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Eid Al Adha, or the 'festival of sacrifice', marks the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son out of faith in Allah. The festival is celebrated by the 1.6 billion Muslims across the globe.
When is it celebrated
The celebration of Eid Al Adha is subjected to the appearance of the moon which is why its observance varies from country to country. The process of the moon sighting begins on the 29th day of Dul Qaadah. If the moon is sighted on the 29th, the next day is declared as the first day of Zul Hijjah and the Eid is celebrated on the 10th of the month.
How is it observed
Eid Al Adha is observed by the Muslims as "days of remembrance" of the willingness to submit to Allah's commands - Prophet Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his son as per the orders of his Lord. He was then intervened by angel Jibreel to stop. In commemoration of the event, Muslims sacrifice animals and divide it into three parts - the family retains one-third of the share; another third is given to relatives, friends, and neighbours; and the remaining third is given to the poor and needy. Eid sacrifice may take place until sunset on the 13th of Zul Hijjah.
Eid Al Adha celebrations also coincide with the Haj pilgrimage and for the pilgrims, the celebration begins after the descent of the Haj pilgrims from the Mount Arafat on the 9th of Zul Hijjah.
How is it celebrated
The mode of celebrating Eid Al Adha is essentially the same across the world. The day begins with Eid prayer which follows the regular morning prayer. Eid prayer is obligatory for men and women to be performed in congregation. It is held in mosques and large grounds also called as Eidgah. Eid greetings are exchanged between friends, family and strangers too. The celebrations of Eid Al Adha can last up to three days. It is customary to wear new clothes, prepare a variety of dishes. In many Asian countries, elders give eidia (money) to children as a goodwill. Muslims visit their friends and relatives to exchange Eid greetings.
