Eid al-Adha 2024: a celebration of solidarity and generosity
Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on 16 June this year! The festival brings Muslims together from every corner of the globe for three days of celebration, spiritual devotion and generosity. But what rituals mark these festivities, what are their sacred origins and what do they symbolise?
What are the origins of Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha, the "Festival of Sacrifice", also known as Eid el-Kebir, Tabaski, or in France as the "festival of the sheep", is a major celebration for Muslims all over the world. Its roots lie in the sacred story of Ibrahim (Abraham) in Islam. According to tradition, he was tested by Allah when he was asked to sacrifice his son Ismail. When he accepted the divine command in complete submission, Allah replaced the child at the last moment with a sheep to be offered in sacrifice. In memory of this exemplary devotion, every year Muslim families sacrifice an animal in accordance with the established rules. This symbolic ritual, rich in meaning, is a fundamental pillar of Islamic practice.
Eid el-Kebir and Ramadan
Eid al-Adha comes shortly after the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and spirituality that prepares Muslims for this celebration by strengthening their piety and their sense of sacrifice. All over the world, the end of Ramadan brings an atmosphere of celebration and joy, which culminates in these festivities. This period of spiritual renewal strengthens the bonds within the Muslim community and helps to promote intercultural understanding.
When is Eid al-Adha in 2024?
Celebrated two months after Ramadan, Eid al-Adha takes place between the 10th and 12th days of the lunar month of Dhul Hijja. In the Muslim calendar, this is the month of the pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam, which is obligatory for Muslims with the financial and physical means. The end of the pilgrimage coincides with "the Festival of Sacrifice". This year, the festival is expected on 16 June. However, the exact date will depend on the sighting of the moon, which makes the "night of doubt", when the precise day is confirmed, especially important.
How is Eid celebrated?
The day begins with the Eid al-Adha prayer, Salat al-Eid. Then families who are able to do so carry out the sacrifice of the animal. Its meat is divided into three parts: one portion for the family, another for relatives and friends, and the third for people in need. After the sacrifice, the faithful gather for a wonderful time of sharing and togetherness. It is also customary to give gifts, especially to children.
The tradition of ritual sacrifice
One of the most visible aspects of Eid al-Adha is ritual sacrifice, in which Muslims offer sheep, goats, cows or camels in memory of Ibrahim's sacrifice. This is the qurbani, also called udhiyya in Arabic. The tradition is rooted in the "sunna", meaning it was begun by the Prophet Muhammad himself. Muslims take care to choose healthy, well-kept animals for their sacrifices, showing their respect for life and their commitment to the teachings of Islam.
Did you know? There are precise guidelines for the sacrifice of animals, designed to ensure an ethical and controlled practice. Slaughter is carried out according to halal rules, with particular care taken to avoid any unnecessary suffering to the animal. To this end, animals are not killed in the presence of other animals, blunt knives are forbidden, and the name of God must be spoken during the sacrifice. Sheep and goats must be at least 1 year old, cows 2 years and camels 5 years.
A festival of sacrifice and solidarity
The Festival of Sacrifice is far more than just a religious celebration; it is an expression of solidarity and generosity towards those in need. In France and in many other countries, charities organise meat distributions, giving more of the faithful the chance to take part in the festival. No one should be left out. This tradition of sharing and compassion strengthens the social fabric of the Muslim community around the world.
At LIFE, we give our generous donors the chance to help many families take part in the festival with dignity. For Eid al-Adha 2024, as in previous years, you can contribute to the purchase of an animal for sacrifice. Right on time, our teams are committed to distributing meat parcels to people in need and giving gifts to children to bring back their smiles. This invaluable help is delivered in several countries, including France, Niger, Mali, Guinea, Kenya and Palestine.
In 2023, for Eid el-Kebir, no fewer than 1,257 cattle and 2,828 sheep or goats were donated. 49,208 meat parcels were distributed and 11,500 sacrifices carried out. Almost 250,000 people benefited from our help and found a little joy again!
Eid el-Kebir in France
In France, a country of cultural and religious diversity, Eid al-Adha is celebrated enthusiastically by the Muslim community. According to estimates, around five million Muslims live in France, making the festival an occasion of unity and pride for the community. Mosques overflow with worshippers who come to perform the Eid prayers, while families gather to share festive meals, strengthening family and community ties. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, more than 100,000 sheep are sacrificed in France over these three days of celebration.
The challenges of Eid al-Adha
Despite its deep meaning, the celebration can also bring logistical and practical challenges. Ritual animal sacrifice raises debates about animal welfare and the regulation of slaughter. In France, the authorities work closely with Muslim communities to ensure that sacrifices are carried out in line with health and ethical standards. Approved slaughterhouses are listed across the country. Slaughter of animals by private individuals, that is, outside authorised slaughterhouses, is prohibited.
Eid al-Adha is far more than just a religious festival; it is a living symbol of the faith, generosity and solidarity that lie at the very heart of Islam. Through its ancient rituals and timeless traditions, this celebration continues to bring together millions of the faithful around the world, inspiring them to embrace the values of love, compassion and sharing. May every Festival of Sacrifice be an opportunity to renew our commitment to our faith, our families and our community, and to reaffirm our determination to work for a fairer, more caring world. Eid Mubarak to all Muslims in France and in every country! May this festival bring joy, peace and blessings to all.
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