Eid-ul-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is fast approaching, and as families prepare to celebrate, some find themselves separated by great distances. While some have already embarked on journeys to be with their loved ones, others are contemplating how to mark this momentous occasion.
I came to UK as an international student and have yet to experience Eid-ul-adha as an outsider. Though I have many relatives in UK, it still won’t be the same without my family, back in Pakistan, with my cousins and friends. I hope I get to see new traditions while still hoping for the same nostalgic ones as well.
As I reflect on the significance of Eid, it becomes clear that it holds a special place in my heart, serving as a reminder of the irreplaceable value of family and the ever-changing nature of life.
This Eid is special to me since it takes place in the holy month of Dhul Hajj, the month when Muslims perform Hajj. Hajj is the most significant religious duty for any Muslim. Hajj or pilgrimage is scared and required for Muslims at least once in their lifetime. Hajj takes place on 8 of Dhul Hijjah (26 June) and many people travel to Makkah/Madina to perform hajj as well as celebrate. Many people, including Muslims such as myself, still feel hesitant to admit that I don’t completely understand the concept of Hajj.
In simple words, a pilgrim can expect to walk between 5km-15km per day, as Hajj requires some travel between several locations in and around the vicinity of Makkah. Much of the pilgrimage takes place at the Masjid al-Haram, where the Kaaba is located.
I am very excited to experience Eid in a whole different country and learn about traditions people follow here.
One can’t help but reminisce about the vibrant traditions back home. Days filled with excitement, applying intricate henna designs, carefully selecting and coordinating outfits, and adorning matching bangles with loved ones.
However, this year, circumstances have led me to spend my first Eid-ul-Adha away from home, prompting curiosity about how the festival is observed in the United Kingdom.
One striking observation is the absence of people purchasing sacrificial animals, a stark contrast to the bustling markets, or “Mandis,” in Pakistan. Back home, the anticipation of visiting the Mandi and deliberating over which cow, sheep, goat, or even camel to buy remains one of the most cherished memories associated with Eid. The Mandi was not merely a transactional experience; it was an integral part of the festivities.
Moreover, the significance of this Eid holds a profound religious connotation. In the Holy Quran, it is recounted that the Prophet Ibrahim, was commanded in a dream to sacrifice his most cherished possession as an offering to God. Without hesitation, Prophet Ibrahim, his love for Allah unwavering, presented his son, Prophet Ibrahim, for the sacrifice.
The bond between father and son was so deep that Allah ordered the angel Jibrael to replace Prophet Ismail with a ram. This act symbolizes both the profound love that Prophet Ismail had for Allah and the enduring tradition for the Muslim ummah to sacrifice animals, thereby strengthening the bond between fellow Muslims.
Traditionally, Muslims offer sacrifices as a means of devotion to Allah (God) and distribute the meat among the less fortunate before sharing it within their own communities. Before Eid, animals are kept with immense care and love. In some parts of Pakistan, such as Peshawar, people also dress the animals in different ornaments and henna to express love for the animal.
They are also fed with healthy food and bathed every other day. It is traditional for the animal to not be facing the knife whilst being sacrificed and it should be done in quick-swift motion so that they feel as less amount of pain as possible.
This act of charity and communal sharing highlights the essence of Eid-ul-Adha, emphasising the importance of empathy and generosity towards those in need.
Personally, food was the part I enjoyed most about Eid. Freshly made Nihari (slow-cooked curry made with meat, mostly consisting of bone marrow), Biryani (spicy rice dish with meat) or Haleem (lentil and meat curry) were all made the same day with the meat of sacrificial animals.
I know a lot of South-Asian food places that offer delicious Eid feasts, but I am looking forward to see what my relatives will send over for me. I will definitely miss my mother’s halwa puri (traditional South-Asian breakfast consisting of chickpea curry, fried flat bread and sweet pudding) that she made every Eid.
While uncertainty surrounds what to expect from Eid celebrations in the United Kingdom, it is my hope that individuals prioritize spending this occasion with their loved ones.
After all, Eid-ul-Adha centres around the love and unity of the family. Regardless of the geographical distances that may separate us, the spirit of Eid persists, reminding us of the bonds we hold dear and the traditions that connect us as a community.
As Eid-ul-Adha approaches, let us cherish the memories of past celebrations, create new traditions in our present circumstances, and embody the true essence of this joyous occasion.
