Why do people say ‘Eid mubarak’?

MILLIONS of Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid Ul-Adha today. But what is the holy day and Muslims sacrifice rams and other animals to mark Eid Ul-Adha


Why do people say ‘Eid mubarak’? What does it mean?

Eid mubarak is an Arabic greeting meaning "blessed Eid" or "blessed celebration".

Muslims wish each other "Eid mubarak" after performing the Eid Ul-Adha prayer and may also hug each other three times.

What is Eid Ul-Adha?

Eid Ul-Adha is a major Muslim holiday which falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah – September 12 this year.

Referred to as “big Eid”, it is often overlooked compared to “little Eid” or Eid ul-Fitr – which marks the end of Ramadan.

Unlike “little Eid”, today’s holiday doesn’t come after a period of fasting. Rather, it follows the first 10 days of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar.

Muslims celebrate the story of the Prophet Ibrahim, who was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son.

Ibrahim did not hesitate at this command, but when he prepared to obey Allah replaced his son with a ram, having issued the request as a test of his faith.

To commemorate this story, Muslims sacrifice cows, goats, lambs, sheep and camels in the name of their god.

Animals are sacrificed and the meat prepared for a special meal

The meat from the animals is shared with family, friends and neighbours as well as the poor.

To mark the festival of the sacrifice, Muslims dress in new or clean clothes and offers prayers in congregation.

Millions will also choose to perform the Hajj. This pilgrimage to Mecca, the centre of the Islamic world, should be made at least once in a lifetime by all who follow the religion.