The air buzzes with anticipation and joy as Muslims worldwide get ready to celebrate Eid al-Adha 2025, a festival of great significance in the Islamic calendar. This "Greater Eid" enjoys a special status, particularly as its Day of Sacrifice marks the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam, drawing millions of physically and financially able believers to the sacred cities of Makkah. 

Eid al-Adha pays tribute to the profound act of faith by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah's command. This pivotal display of devotion and trust in Allah is the very essence of Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice." 

As billions of Muslims worldwide unite to observe this significant holiday, The Sandy Times aims to delve into eight enriching cultural and community traditions that Muslims often follow during Eid al-Adha, offering inspiration for meaningful participation in 2025 and beyond.

As Eid al-Adha morning unfolds, a deep sense of unity and spiritual uplift envelops Muslim communities gathering for Salat al-Eid, a special congregational prayer distinct in timing and procedure from daily prayers. Observed after sunrise and led by the Imam, this two-unit (raka'at) prayer fosters brotherhood and shared devotion. Salat-Al-Eid often precedes a sermon (khutbah), emphasising sacrifice, charity, and obedience.

Performed annually on the 10th of Dhū al-Ḥijjah, the prayer features takbiratul ihram and the recitation of Al-Fatiha and other surahs in each raka'at. A unique element is the inclusion of four additional Takbirs in each cycle. 

Beyond individual worship, Eid prayer underscores community and cooperation. At the start of this blessed day, it unites hearts in collective devotion, setting a spiritually enriching tone for the ensuing festivities.

A deep symbolic tradition of Eid al-Adha is the performance of Qurbani, the ritual sacrifice of an animal — typically a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. Observed annually during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, this practice commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) in respect to Allah's command as discussed above.

The term "Qurbani," rooted in the Arabic word "qurb," meaning closeness, signifies a believer's striving to draw nearer to Allah through sincerity, obedience, and submission.

The act of Qurbani, permissible from the morning of the 10th until the sunset of the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, carries specific guidelines. The chosen animal must meet certain criteria, including being of a mature age (e.g., at least one year for sheep and goats) and in good health, free from visible disabilities or diseases. 

Islamic teachings emphasise ethical treatment throughout the process. Keep tools out of the animal's sight, and ensure that no animal witnesses another being slaughtered. The person must recite the words "Bismillahi Allahu Akbar" (In the name of Allah, God is the Greatest) at the time of sacrifice.

The principle of Eid al-Adha extends beyond the sacrifice to encompass acts of charity. During this blessed time, Muslims extend a helping hand to those less fortunate, embodying compassion and fostering community solidarity.

Qurbani holds an insightful spiritual significance. As Surah Al-Hajj (22:37) beautifully states: It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him.

A key aspect of this tradition is distributing the sacrificed animal's meat, with at least one-third mandated to go to the poor and vulnerable. While you cannot replace Qurbani with general charity, the spirit of giving greatly permeates Eid celebrations.

More significantly, charity often directs resources, food and financial assistance toward the disadvantaged. For many families, the meat from Qurbani might be the only meat they consume throughout the year.

A cornerstone of Eid al-Adha celebrations emphasises nurturing and strengthening familial and social bonds through visits. The festival gives a chance for Muslims to connect with loved ones, fostering a sense of unity and shared joy. Following the Salat al Eid, a common practice is to visit relatives and friends, exchanging warm greetings of "Eid Mubarak" and heartfelt blessings.

These visits are more than mere social calls. They are considered a good deed in Islam, actively promoting the consolidation of kinship ties.

Eid al-Adha, remembering the divine provision of a ram in place of Prophet Ibrahim's son Ismail, is thus seen as an opportune time to reinforce social relations and spread happiness throughout the community.

The tradition of preparing and sharing special culinary delights underscores the values of unity, community and the simple pleasure of breaking bread together. The tables during Eid al-Adha are often laden with various dishes, many of which are traditional recipes passed down through generations.

Across the different cultures of the Muslim world, specific dishes have become synonymous with Eid al-Adha. In many households, the rich and flavourful Biryani takes centre stage, with regional variations like the spicy Hyderabadi or the fragrant Pakistani versions. Originating from Saudi Arabia, Kabsa an aromatic rice dish with seasoned meat and a blend of spices, is another beloved Eid staple. For many, a succulent Roast Lamb, marinated with herbs and spices, serves as a classic centrepiece, often accompanied by roasted vegetables and a refreshing mint yoghurt sauce.

Traditional dishes like Mansaf from Jordan, featuring lamb in tangy yoghurt sauce, and Turkish Manti, meat-filled dumplings with garlic yoghurt, showcase the richness of Eid celebrations. Morocco's Pastilla combines spiced meat and almonds in flaky pastry, while Baklava, a dessert of phyllo pastry and nuts, is a must-have. Egyptian Rice Pudding (Roz bel Laban) provides a creamy finish.

The diverse flavours and aromas of traditional Eid food beautifully reflect the shared heritage and unity of the global Muslim community, making the act of sharing these meals a deeply meaningful and integral part of the celebration.

Eid al-Adha is an elated occasion for Muslims, and a common tradition to visibly mark this festivity is to adorn oneself in one's finest attire, often new clothes purchased specifically for the day. Deeply ingrained practice in Muslim cultures globally is a way to outwardly celebrate the blessings of Eid and participate fully in the communal joy. While new garments are preferred, wearing one's best, clean and well-maintained clothes is also perfectly acceptable. 

Many also choose to wear traditional attire that reflects their cultural heritage, adding to the vibrant tapestry of Eid celebrations.

Adding to the festive atmosphere is the delightful tradition of exchanging gifts. Children, in particular, often receive new clothes as special Eid gifts, along with small amounts of money of affection from elders.

Furthermore, it is a Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) to apply fragrance or perfume as part of the preparations for Eid, contributing to a sense of cleanliness, renewal, and overall festivity. 

Eid al-Adha is intrinsically linked with the end of Hajj. This journey, representing one of the Five Pillars of Islam, embodies a religious duty for Muslims who bear the physical and financial means to undertake it. The rites performed during Hajj are a demonstration of the global Muslim community's unity and their complete submission to the will of Allah. 

The Qurbani is also an integral component of the Hajj experience for the pilgrims in Makkah. For them, the sacrifice on these sacred grounds carries an even deeper resonance, symbolising their ultimate devotion and adherence to divine decree as they complete their pilgrimage.

Communities and homes often celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid al-Adha with attractive displays of festivity. Many neighbourhoods and mosques adorn themselves with colourful flags, celebratory banners, and twinkling lights, creating a visually uplifting and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the happiness of Eid.

Among the cherished traditions that add to the celebratory ambience, particularly for women, is the beautiful practice of applying henna. Women gather, filling the air with laughter and lively conversation as they apply intricate henna designs to their hands and sometimes feet. These temporary works of art are not only decorative but also a social ritual, with women sharing stories and anticipating Eid's attire. 

The air is often filled with the fragrance of henna and the cheerful jingle of bangles as women greet one another with wishes, further enhancing the sensory experience of this special time. These visual and auditory aspects contribute significantly to the overall festive spirit of Eid al-Adha, making it a memorable and joyful occasion for all.