Eid al-Adha, also known as the 'Festival of Sacrifice', is one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar, and it is highly revered in Oman. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to obey God by sacrificing his son but ultimately sacrificing a ram under divine intervention. This holiday lasts for four days and takes place during the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
In Oman, Eid al-Adha is a time for prayer, reflection, and showing kindness to others–a true embodiment of selflessness. Preparations for this solemn holiday include fasting, prayer, and the sacrificing of an animal, which is typically a sheep or a goat. Families and friends gather together to share in festive meals, while the meat from their sacrifice is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for less fortunate individuals in the community. This practice of distribution underscores the importance of sharing and charity within the Islamic faith.
In addition to prayer and sacrifice, several traditions signify Eid al-Adha in Oman. Music and folk dances are performed, streets are decorated, and special traditions are observed. Both children and adults will wear new clothes, and children receive gifts or money, called 'Eidiyah'. A sense of generosity and gratitude permeates this holiday, solidifying family and community bonds. Numerous events and festivities take place in parks, public places, and entertainment venues around the country, making Eid al-Adha a much-anticipated event in Oman.