Eid al-Adha
June 17, Monday
The main historical basis of Kurban Bayram is the story described in the Quran and the Bible about the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in the Bible) and his son Ismail (Ishmael in the Bible). According to tradition, Ibrahim received a command from Allah (God) to sacrifice his son Ismail. Despite the pain and doubt, he was ready to fulfill this command, but at the last moment, Allah stopped him and replaced his son with a ram, which Ibrahim was to sacrifice. This act of faith and obedience became an important symbol for Muslims.
Kurban Bayram is celebrated on the 10th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah — the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This day occurs approximately 70 days after the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which concludes the month of Ramadan. The date of Kurban Bayram shifts back by about 10-11 days each year on the Gregorian calendar due to the difference in the lengths of the solar and lunar years.
The main tradition of the holiday is the sacrifice of an animal, which can be a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, depending on the region and the family's means. This sacrifice symbolizes Ibrahim's act of faith and his readiness to follow Allah's will. The sacrifice must be performed according to strict religious rules to ensure the meat is halal (permissible).
After the sacrifice, the animal's meat is divided into three parts: one part stays with the family to celebrate Kurban Bayram, the second part is distributed to relatives and friends, and the third part is given to the needy and poor.
Kurban Bayram is celebrated differently depending on the region and culture, though the main religious rituals remain unchanged.
Eid al-Adha in other years
Eid al-Adha in other countries
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