The Festival of Sacrifice (Īḍ al-Adḥā)

The Feast of Sacrifice begins on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, specifically at sunset on the Day of Arafah; the day when pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat. The duration of the festival is 4 days, making it one day longer than the festival of breaking the fast. With the Feast of Sacrifice, Muslims particularly commemorate the Prophet Abraham, whom God tested by asking him to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Abraham, who obeyed God's command with a heavy heart, dreamed of sacrificing his son, as clearly stated in the Quran: "Dear son, I saw in my sleep that I was slaughtering you." So look, what do you think? He says, "Father, do what you have been commanded!" You will, if God wills, find that I belong to the steadfast." 1 [Quran: aṣ-Ṣāffāt – Those who are in ranks 37/102] In Abraham's trial, however, God was never concerned with the sacrifice of the son, but rather with human submission to divine will. In this context, Abraham passed the test because he had indeed firmly resolved to sacrifice his son before he carried it out. The dream vision of Abraham thus served as confirmation of his decision: "104Abraham, you have confirmed the vision." Thus, We will reward those who do good. 106. This is the clear test!" 107We ransomed him with a mighty sacrifice 108and left among those who came after him: 109"Peace be upon Abraham!" Thus We reward those who do good. [Quran: aṣ-Ṣāffāt—Those Who Stand in Rows 37:104-109] To commemorate this event, the faithful slaughter a sacrificial animal (usually a sheep, cow, or goat) and distribute the meat mostly to the poor and needy. As with the festival of breaking the fast, the communal festival prayer takes place in the mosque early in the morning on the first day of the festival, after which the faithful attend the festival sermon.

1 translation according to Hans Zirker.