Eid al-Adha, also known as the 'Feast of Sacrifice', is one of the most significant holidays in Afghanistan. The holiday honours the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. However, in the Islamic tradition, God provided a lamb for Ibrahim to sacrifice instead. The holiday, therefore, reminds Muslims about the importance of sacrifice, commitment, and obedience to their faith.
The event lasts for four days in Afghanistan, beginning on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Celebrations are often marked by the slaughtering of a sheep, goat, or a camel, with the meat distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate. This practice serves as a symbolic representation of Ibrahim’s sacrifice and a reminder of the responsibility of Muslims to help those who are less fortunate.
Eid al-Adha is a public holiday in Afghanistan. Prayer gatherings are held in mosques and designated prayer grounds. Families gather to share meals and gifts. It is also a time when many Muslims undertake the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. While it is a time of celebration, it is also a time for reflection and commitment to the values of Islam. Regardless of the uncertainties that Afghanistan faces, the enduring spirit of this holiday represents the resilience and the enduring faith of its people.