Inside the Eid

Get set for a holiday, possibly unlike any you have ever experienced.

It's a celebration untouched by commercialism and drenched in living history.

Saturday, Dec. 30, is the feast of sacrifice, Eidul Adha, falling on the Islamic-calendar date of Dhul Hijjah 10, 1427. This annual celebration began centuries ago and is still practiced today.

Eidul Adha marks the commensuration of Prophet Ibrahim's, or Abraham's, willingness to sacrifice his only child, Ismael, or Ishmael.

Ismael grew up to assist his father in the construction of the Kaaba, a house that Muslims face when they pray and that they circumnavigate during the Hajj pilgrimage. Many rites performed while on Hajj are re-enactments of the struggles that Prophet Ibrahim and his second wife, Hajar, or Hagar, endured.

Though not directly related, Eidul Adha commences on the second day of Hajj, a pilgrimage that lasts six days, Dhul Hijjah 8 to 14, in Saudi Arabia. Dhul Hijjah is the last month of the lunar Islamic calendar.

Making a Sacrifice

To celebrate the Eid, one must first understand the Sunnah, which is a compilation of sayings and practices based on the life of Prophet Muhammad. Newly introduced material are considered innovations that will distort this original guidance. Devout Muslims follow the Quran and authentic Sunnah, and believe adherence to both is necessary for true guidance and the pleasure of their Lord.

As per the Sunnah, following the morning congregational prayer, a lamb, cow or similar animal is scarified. In the U.S., Muslims pay between $200 to $500, based on supply and demand, to a local Halal butcher to partake in this part of the ceremony.

The meat is then divided in three, with a portion designated to the person who sponsored it, another portion given to his or her family and a third portion donated to the poor.

Why the sacrifice?

The Torah, Bible and Quran confirm that God, or Allah, spared the life of Prophet Ibrahim's son only after Ibrahim proved his obedience. As a reward, or out of mercy, Allah provided a ram to be sacrificed instead of Prophet Ibrahim's son.

In honor of Prophet Ibrahim, it is the Sunnah to celebrate this day, as Prophet Muhammad encouraged it.

The Celebration

Islamic scholars say there are only three celebratory days that are authentic parts of the Sunnah: Jummah, which is every Friday, the day for congregational prayer; Eidul Fitr, a feast that marks the end of Ramadan, a 29- or 30-day fast; and Eidul Adha. The latter two are annual events.

To prepare for the Eid, Muslims are advised to perform a complete ghusl (a religious shower) and don their best clothing before attending a morning prayer service.

	Muslims on Hajj

For this special holiday, Muslims do not fast but rather are encouraged to join in the festive meals.

There are dozens of different sects in Islam, some that uphold the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad more fervently than others.

The most devout sects have no music, dancing or intermingling of the sexes at their celebrations. And even the smallest "new" observances may be offensive to some Muslims, as "religious" innovations are not supported by the Sunnah.