Islamic Holidays and Observances
'Eid-ul-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice
The Festival of Sacrifice, 'Eid ul-Adha, immediately follows the Day of
Arafat (see above). This festival is celebrated throughout the Muslim world
as a commemoration of Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice everything
for God, including the life of his son Ishmael. Because God spared Ishmael,
substituting a sheep in his stead, Muslims commemorate this occasion by
slaughtering an animal and distributing its meat among family, friends and
the needy as a special act of charity for the occasion. Because of this,
many poor Muslims are able to enjoy the unusual luxury of eating meat during
the four days of the festival.
The Muslim community of Fort Collins celebrates 'Eid ul-Adha with an early
morning prayer service followed by a community breakfast. In keeping with
the tradition of 'Eid, local Muslims will dress up in new or special clothes,
visit friends and relatives, hold 'Eid gatherings or parties, and give gifts
to their children.
