When Is Eid-Al-Adha? What Is It? How Do Muslims Celebrate It?
The Huffington Post Canada
Posted:10/02/2014 7:13 am EDTUpdated:10/02/2014 7:59 am EDT
Directions: Read the article below. Then write an analysis (1-2 paragraphs - 1/2 page) explaining how Hassan is symbolically like the son of Ibrahim being sacrificed to Allah. Use your knowledge of the plot of The Kite Runner Ch. 6-7 in your analysis. Try to reflect on Hassan's nature of self-sacrifice and Amir's decision to "sacrifice" Hassan. How does "Eid" symbolically connect to Amir and Hassan's characters? Like Ibrahim, did Hassan pass the test of loyalty in the end? Explain how/why. *Hint- focus on page 77 in Chapter 7 of the novel.
*Quote at least ONE line or passage from the novel in your analysis.
* Refer to the article in your analysis and cite at the end of your reflection. Since there is no author listed, simply write ("When Is Eid-Al-Adha") at the end of your last paragraph or the paragraph where you refer to content from the article.
Eid-al-Adha, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar, takes place Oct. 4. But what is this holiday all about?
Translated from Arabic as the "Feast of Sacrifice," it marks the prophetIbrahim's readiness to sacrifice his sonto Allah, according toTimeanddate.com.
It is to be distinguished fromEid-al-Fitr, the "Feast of Fast Breaking," which marks the end of Ramadan.The story of Eid-al-Adha, which is also known as the "Greater Eid," originates with Allah appearing to Ibrahim in a dreamand imploring him to sacrifice his son Isma'il, according to the BBC.Despite the hardship, Ibrahim proceeded to follow the instructions, though Allah stopped him at the last minute, offering a lamb to sacrifice in his son's stead.
Though the story sounds grim, Eid-al-Adha is a happy occasion in which Muslims pray together, meet with friends and family, exchange gifts and donate to the less fortunate. It is also a time in which they pray forforgiveness from Godand let go any feelings of enmity for one another, according toReligiousTolerance.org.
Eid-al-Adha also marks the end of theHajj, an annual pilgrimage that Muslims make to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. All followers who can make the trip are encouraged to journey there at least once, where they encircle the Kaaba, a holy shrine that is said to have beenbuilt by Ibrahim himself.