Eid-ul-Adha 2023
Usama Ahmed Khan, Engr. Bilal Ahmed Khan, Engr. Iqbal Ahmed Khan, Engr. Taha Ahmed Khan.
Eid-ul-Adha 2023
Zara Imran, Imran Ahmed Khan Ghouri, Erum Imran, Zoya Imran.

The following report was written by Zoya Imran, granddaughter of Engr. Iqbal Ahmed Khan of Karachi, Pakistan.

Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important religious holidays celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to ALLAH’s command. However, at the last moment, ALLAH provided a lamb to be sacrificed instead. This event is mentioned in the Holy Quran, the holy book of Islam.

Eid-ul-Adha falls on the 10th day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul Hijjah, following the completion of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah. The date varies each year according to the Islamic lunar calendar and is determined by the sighting of the moon. This year, Eid was celebrated on June 29th, 2023.

Eid-ul-Adha 2023
Jenny Aijaz with her three lovely daughters on Eid Day at their house in USA, Aliza Aijaz, Anniyah Aijaz and Adeena Aijaz.
Eid-ul-Adha 2023
Zoya Imran

The celebration of Eid-ul-Adha typically lasts for three days. It is a time of immense joy and gratitude for Muslims worldwide. The holiday begins with a special prayer called the Eid prayer, which is performed in congregation at mosques or open prayer grounds. Muslims gather early in the morning to participate in the prayer, which consists of a sermon followed by a specific sequence of movements and supplications.

One of the central rituals of Eid-ul-Adha is the sacrifice of an animal, usually a goat, sheep, cow, or camel, in remembrance of Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts. One part is kept for the family, another is shared with relatives and friends, and the third part is donated to the less fortunate and those in need. This act of sharing and charity is an important aspect of Eid-ul-Adha, as it reinforces the values of compassion, generosity, and community.

Eid-ul-Adha 2023
Master Daniyal Ahmed Khan, Baby Haya Faisal, Lubna Khan, Zaina, Zara in Sharjah UAE.
Eid-ul-Adha 2023
Daniyal Khan, Haya, Madiha, Faisal Mumtaz Khan, in Sharjah UAE.
Eid-ul-Adha 2023
Aijaz Iqbal with his three lovely daughters, Aliza Aijaz, Adeena Aijaz and Anniyah Aijaz in USA.

Eid-ul-Adha is also a time for Muslims to come together as families and communities, sharing meals, exchanging gifts, and visiting one another. It is customary for people to dress in new clothes, and special meals are prepared, often featuring meat from the sacrificed animal. Many Muslims also take the opportunity during Eid ul-Adha to give to charity and help those who are less fortunate.

Muslims in the Middle East and the West celebrated Eid one day before us and shared pictures of their festivities with us. At our home, we hosted a dinner where all family members gathered and savored a delightful lunch together.

Eid-ul-Adha 2023
Engr. Iqbal Ahmed Khan ready for Eid-ul-Adha prayers.
Eid-ul-Adha 2023
Erum Imran, Zoya Imran, Zara Imran and Imran Khan driving to join the family members on Eid Day.
Eid-ul-Adha 2023
Baby Haya and Daniyal Khan.
Eid-ul-Adha 2023
Two goats for the sacrifice on Eid Ul Adha day.

In addition to the religious significance, Eid-ul-Adha is a time of joy and celebration. It brings people of different cultures and backgrounds together, fostering a sense of unity and harmony. It is a time for Muslims to reflect on their faith, strengthen family ties, and show gratitude for the blessings in their lives.

Overall, Eid-ul-Adha is a significant religious festival that holds great importance for Muslims worldwide. It combines acts of worship, charity, and celebration, serving as a reminder of the values and principles upheld by the Islamic faith.