On the evening of June 6, believers of one of the three Abrahamic religions – Islam – together with Muslims around the world begin to celebrate Eid al-Adha. The main idea of ​​the holiday is sacrifice, devotion to G-d and helping those in need. It is celebrated 70 days after the end of the holy month of Ramadan and marks the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). The exact date is determined by the lunar calendar, so it changes every year.

Kurban Bayram (Turkish) or Eid al-Adha (Arabic) is one of the main Muslim holidays, a holiday of sacrifice. Its origin is associated with the biblical story of the prophet Abraham (according to the Islamic tradition, Ibrahim). Ibrahim showed amazing humility to G-d and was ready to give the most precious thing - the life of his son Isaac (Ishmael). But the Almighty, seeing Ibrahim's devotion, sent an archangel with a sacrificial lamb and saved the child. In memory of this, the main rite of the holiday appeared - the sacrifice of animals, which is performed by believers.

Preparations for Eid al-Adha begin 20 days in advance. Believers do not wear elaborate clothing, cut their hair, or shave. They do not serve elaborate and hearty meals. The last 10 days before the holiday are very important. Muslims try to atone for sins, do good deeds, and recite prayers. The holiday begins early in the morning. After ablution and dressing in festive attire, believers go to the mosque for a festive prayer. Later, after listening to the sermon (khutbah) and the festive prayer, people who have the opportunity offer a sacrifice. An animal (ram, bull, or cow) can be offered as a sacrifice only if it meets the requirements. In the following days, believers visit the graves of their relatives, receive guests, give gifts, and arrange a festive meal. Another feature of this holiday is that after sacrificing an animal to God, the sacrificial meat is divided into three parts: one is distributed to the needy, the second is kept for oneself, and the third is given to friends. Thus, Eid al-Adha symbolizes mercy and unity, care for one's neighbors and compassion for those in need.

So, we wish the Muslims of Ukraine that the holiday of Kurban Bayram will bring sincere love and peace into their lives, a happy world after victory! Eid Mubarak! Mazal tov!

Dilfuza Hlushchenko