Eid al-Adha, also known as the 'Feast of the Sacrifice', is one of the most significant holidays in Saudi Arabia. The festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim, also known as Abraham in the Bible, to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. However, God provided a lamb for Abraham to sacrifice instead of his son. The holiday signals the end of Hajj, which is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam that every capable Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime.
During Eid al-Adha, Saudi Arabians engage in several traditional practices. Families start the day with morning prayers, followed by the ritual of Qurbani- holding a livestock sacrifice, most often a lamb or a goat, to represent Prophet Ibrahim's sacrifice. A portion of the meat is kept for one's home, and the rest is distributed to the less fortunate, exemplifying the spirit of sharing and caring.
In addition to the sacrifices, this holiday in Saudi Arabia also features large family gatherings, feasts, and the giving of gifts. A typical feast may consist of dishes made of rice, lamb, and an assortment of traditional foods. Parents usually buy new clothes for their children, and gifts are often exchanged. Moreover, festive decorations adorn homes and streets, and special events and festivities take place across the country. Eid al-Adha is not only a time of celebration but also an occasion for Muslims to offer gratitude for their blessings and to help those in need.