Eid al-Adha is a significant annual Islamic observance for many Muslims in Canada. It is also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Festival of Sacrifice as it commemorates Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son to God.
Is Eid ul Adha a Public Holiday?
Eid ul Adha is not a public holiday. Businesses have normal opening hours.
What Do People Do?
Eid al-Adha is celebrated in Muslim communities throughout Canada around the 10th to the 13th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah (or Dhul Hajj). It is a time marked by special prayers and many Muslims gather for special prayer services. Many people also visit family and friends, exchange greetings and gifts, and make donations to the poor and needy. Eid al-Adha is also a time for forgiveness and compassion.
The Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) holds Eid festivals to celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The Eid Festivals offer celebrations including a carnival of fun rides, shows, sports tournaments and various international cuisines. Thousands of people, including key leaders, often attend these events. Some politicians publicly announce their best wishes to those celebrating Eid al-Adha. Festivities can last for up to a few days.
Eid al-Adha follows from the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This pilgrimage applies to Muslims worldwide, as they are required to perform the Hajj once in their lives. Some Muslims in Canada may travel to Mecca prior to Eid al-Adha to make this pilgrimage. Eid al-Adha is known as the Feast of Sacrifice because it traditionally includes the sacrifice of an animal permitted for food (eg. a lamb) as an act of thanksgiving for God’s mercy. Some of the food is donated for charitable purposes.
Public Life
Eid al-Adha is not a nationwide public holiday in Canada. However, some Islamic organizations may be closed or offer a reduced level of service and there may be some local traffic congestion around mosques and venues where Eid al-Adha celebrations are held.
Background
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates accomplishment. Eid al-Adha also serves as a reminder of when Ibrahim (Abraham) was willing to sacrifice his son to God, according to Islamic belief.
