Eid Al Adha in Saudi Arabia: Traditions, Meaning and History

Hajj, the fifth Pillar of Islam, is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is expected of all Muslims to visit Mecca at least once in their life if they are healthy enough and can afford it. If a person is not able to go to Mecca him- or herself, someone else can go on their behalf on the condition that they have been to Mecca before.

During Hajj pilgrims travel from Mecca to Mina, Mount Arafat, Muzdalifah and then back to Mina and lastly end their pilgrimage back in Mecca.

This is the day on which Prophet Mohammed gave his last sermon on mount Arafah before passing away. In this sermon, Prophet Mohammed said that the Islam faith is now perfected. Pilgrims partaking in Hajj spend the morning travelling from mount Harafah. The mountain is also known as the "Mountain of Mercy". From noon till sunset pilgrims offer supplications, repent and atone for their past sins, seeking mercy from God, and listen to Islamic scholars giving lectures. This is also known as wuquf - 'standing before God.' A pilgrim's Hajj is considered invalid if they do not spend the afternoon on Arafah.

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Muslims who are not partaking in Hajj are encouraged to fast on this day. It is believed that fasting on Arafat Day forgives all the minor sins of the past and coming year./

Also known as the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’, this holiday celebrates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to offer his son Prophet Ismail (Ishmael) on God’s command. After seeing Prophet Ibrahim’s faithfulness to God, He then sent a ram to be sacrificed on Ishmael’s behalf.

Eid Al Adha is celebrated over a span of three days during which people are encouraged to spend time with their friends and family. Believers will spend time praying and sacrifice an animal to God or pay money to organisations who will sacrifice an animal on their behalf.