Re: Eid-Children at nursery
Print of the info from the BBC link below, the 2 eid links in the text gives basic info about both Eids:
2 main facts about this Eid is that it marks the end of Hajj, and we practice the sacrificing of an animal to commemorate the sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim made, same as mentioned in the Christian bible (Prophet Abraham).
Could say something like instead of a Christmas turkey, we have an Eid Lamb slaughtered and give a third of it to our friends and family, keep a 3rd for ourselves and give a 3rd of it to needy people.
This Eid al Adha isn’t actually marked by the moon, because the first crescent of the moon indicates the start of the Hajj month. I think this Eid is the 10th day of the month of Hajj.
BBC - Religion & Ethics - Muslim holy days
There are only two Muslim festivals set down in Islamic law: Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha (Eid or Id is a word meaning festival). But there are also several other special days which Muslims celebrate.
Some Muslims disapprove of celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (pbuh), on the grounds that it is an innovation, and innovations in religious matters are forbidden.
Some Muslims say that if changes were made in religious matters it would imply that Islam was not complete when it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, or that the Prophet did not tell Muslims everything that was revealed to him. This would be seen as highly sacrilegious by many Muslims.
Eid ul Fitr (1 Shawwal)
Find this year’s date in the multifaith calendar
The festival begins with the first sighting of the new moon©](BBC - Religion: Copyright Information)
The first Eid was celebrated in 624 CE by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) with his friends and relatives after the victory of the battle of Jang-e-Badar.
Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting, but thanking Allah for the help and strength that he gave them throughout the previous month to help them practise self-control.
The festival begins when the first sight of the new moon is seen in the sky.
Muslims in most countries rely on news of an official sighting, rather than looking at the sky themselves.
The celebratory atmosphere is increased by everyone wearing best or new clothes, and decorating their homes.
There are special services out of doors and in Mosques, processions through the streets, and of course, a special celebratory meal - eaten during daytime, the first daytime meal Muslims will have had in a month.
Eid is also a time of forgiveness, and making amends.
Eid ul Adha (10 Dhul-Hijja) - the festival of sacrifice
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Animals are sacrificed and then distributed among family, friends and the poor
This is a four-day public holiday in Muslim countries.
The festival remembers the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son when God ordered him to.
Ibrahim’s sacrifice
God appeared in a dream to Ibrahim and told him to sacrifice his son Isma’il. Ibrahim and Isma’il set off to Mina for the sacrifice.
As they went, the devil attempted to persuade Ibrahim to disobey God and not to sacrifice his beloved son. But Ibrahim stayed true to God, and drove the devil away.
As Ibrahim prepared to kill his son God stopped him and gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead.
Celebrations
Ibrahim’s complete obedience to the will of God is celebrated by Muslims each year.
Each Muslim, as they celebrate, reminds themselves of their own submission to God, and their own willingness to sacrifice anything to God’s wishes.
During the festival Muslims who can afford to, sacrifice domestic animals, usually sheep, as a symbol of Ibraham’s sacrifice. (British law insists that the animals must be killed in a proper slaughterhouse.)
The meat is distributed among family, friends and the poor, who each get a third share.
As with all festivals there are prayers, and also presents.