Eid al-Adha, also known as the 'Feast of the Sacrifice', is one of the most significant holidays in South Sudan. It is an Islamic holiday observed by Muslims around the world, including the Muslim population in South Sudan. The holiday commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command. It occurs on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
In South Sudan, Eid al-Adha is celebrated with much reverence and enthusiasm. The day typically starts with a communal prayer at the mosque. After the prayer, it is traditional for a livestock animal, usually a sheep or goat, to be humanely slaughtered in remembrance of Abraham’s sacrifice. This is followed by festive meals, with the sacrificial meat distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate ones in the community.
Eid al-Adha also marks the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. It serves not simply a time for celebration, but also a time for giving and for reflecting on one’s faith. Additionally, it fosters a strengthened sense of identity and unity among the Muslim community in South Sudan. Even amidst the country's diverse cultural, ethnic and religious landscape, the spirit of fraternity and compassion embodied by Eid Al-Adha is indeed a significant hallmark.