Eid al-Adha, also known as the 'Festival of Sacrifice', is a significant religious holiday celebrated in Qatar and all around the world in honor of the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. The holiday falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth and last month in the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact date varies each year as it’s based on the sighting of the moon. It also marks the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
The celebrations in Qatar are vibrant, starting with a prayer at the mosque in the morning. Families then engage in the ritual of sacrificing an animal, usually a sheep or a goat, to represent Abraham’s sacrifice. The meat from the sacrifice is often divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and the last part is given to the poor and needy, symbolizing acts of charity and compassion during this holiday.
Along with the religious aspect, it's also a time of festivity in Qatar. Various events are held across the country, including carnivals, concerts, and firework displays. Traditional Qatari dishes are shared, and gifts are often exchanged between family and friends. It's a time for community, generosity, and prayer. Overall, Eid al-Adha serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience, sacrifices, and thankfulness in the Islamic faith.