A Guide to Eid Al Adha in Qatar

Eid Al Adha is calculated according to the Islamic calendar. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar that is approximately 11 days shorter than the more commonly used Gregorian calendar. Because of this, Eid Al Adha is celebrated on a different day every year according to the Gregorian calendar.

Eid is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, Eid Al Adha is expected to begin in Qatar on Tuesday, 21 August 2018.

In Islam, there are two big holidays that are celebrated by Muslims from across the world. These two holidays are Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. Eid Al Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan when Muslims stop fasting and start eating during the day again. This Eid is usually spent with friends and family with a big feast being prepared on the day. People are also extra kind and generous during this time.

SEE ALSO: Qatar's Most Influential Women

No – there is not another Ramadan approaching! Eid Al Adha is celebrated during Hajj and is seen as the greater Eid between the two. Prophet Ibrahim’s (PBUH) devotion and obedience to Allah is celebrated during Eid Al Adha. It is common for Muslims to sacrifice an animal to Allah during this time or pay money to have an animal sacrificed on their behalf during this time.

Eid Al Adha is also known as the “Festival of the Sacrifice” or “Feast of the Sacrifice.” Eid means “festival” in Arabic. The feast is celebrated in memory of Ibrahim’s obedience and devotion to God.

Allah asked Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, to show God that he is devoted and obedient to Allah. God then stopped Ibrahim just as he was about to kill Ishmael and provided a goat to be sacrificed in Ishmael’s place.

Eid is celebrated by Muslims from across the world.

Arafat Day is the day on which Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) gave his last sermon before passing away. During this sermon he announced that Islam is now perfected.

This day is always celebrated on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjahthe, the second day of Hajj. Pilgrims who perform Hajj will spend the morning travelling from mount Harafah to Arafah. They then spend the afternoon praying, repenting their sins and asking for Allah’s mercy.

Those who aren’t performing Hajj is encouraged to spend the day fasting and thinking of those who are performing Hajj. Muslims believed that all their sins will be forgiven for the last year, and the coming year if they fast on Arafat Day.

Hajj, meaning “pilgrimage” in Arabic, is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Performing Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and all Muslims are expected to perform Hajj at least once in their life if they are physically and financially able.

The Hajj pilgrimage needs to be performed from the 8th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and specific steps must be followed during the pilgrimage. A pilgrimage to Mecca at any other time of the year is seen as a lessor pilgrimage and is called “Umrah.”

SEE ALSO: Dune Bashing in Qatar

During Hajj, pilgrims:

• Walk seven times around the Kaaba termed Tawaf
• Touch the Black Stone termed Istilam
• Travel seven times between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah termed Sa'yee
• Symbolically stone the Devil in Mina termed Ramee

These acts are to symbolise their unity with other believers and to pay tribute to Allah.

Eid Al Adha is celebrated in numerous ways by different Muslims. They may either go to Mecca to perform Hajj (Saudi has granted special permission for Qataris and other pilgrims living in Qatar to perform Hajj) or rather opt to spend time at home with their loved ones.

It is also common for Muslims to travel to another country or visit a resort during Eid Al Adha. Gifts are also given to children and an animal sacrifice is made to Allah. Families can opt to pay a fee and have someone sacrifice the animal on their behalf.

Eid Al Adha is celebrated from the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah till the 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. This is the last three days of the Hajj pilgrimage.

The government sector usually receives 3 days off during Eid al Adha while the private sector will receive one, two or three days off depending on when Eid falls. It is speculated that we might have Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday off this Eid Al Adha.

Both Eid holidays have their own unique greetings to say to your friends, family and colleagues in the Oman. Here are some greetings and phrases that you can say to your Muslim friends:

• "Kul 'am wa enta bi-khair." meaning "May every year find you in good health"
• "Eid Mubarak" meaning "Blessed Eid”
• "Eid Saeed" meaning "Happy Eid"
• "Taqabbala Allahu minna wa minkum" meaning "May Allah accept from us, and from you."
• "As-Salam-u-Alaikum" meaning "Peace be unto you."

SEE ALSO: 12 Signs You've Been an Expat in Qatar Too Long

Qatar has previous years banned alcohol from being served at hotels and bars during the Eid Al Adha season. The Qatar government did however allow alcohol to be served in 2017. A formal announcement will be made closer to Eid to confirm whether or not it will be a dry Eid Al Adha.

It is best to first confirm with hotels whether or not they will be serving alcohol or not as some choose to rather not serve alcohol during the Eid season.