EID-UL-ADHA 2020. ORIGIN, HISTORY AND HOW IT WILL BE CELEBRATED DURING PANDEMIC

Muslim people group over the UK are planning for Eid ul-Adha festivities, the most significant of Islam's yearly occasions. The occasion will start in the UK on the night of Thursday, July 30, and reach a conclusion on the night of Monday, August 3. 

With an expected 2.8 million Muslims living in the United Kingdom, many people in the UK to participate in Islamic festivals. Anyway, those of us who are inexperienced with Islamic strict practices might be asking ourselves, what is Eid ul-Adha? and how is it celebrated? 

The name of the occasion 'Eid ul-Adha' signifies 'the festival of the sacrifice'. This name alludes to a story of penance referenced in the Quran, in which God asks the Prophet Ibrahim in a dream to sacrifice his child, Ismail, as a trial of his confidence. Those acquainted with Christianity will see matches between this story and that of Abraham and his child Isaac found in the book of faith. The Quran clarifies that from the start, Ibrahim ignores the dream, however after it had reoccurred for a few evenings in succession he chose to follow Allah's requests to demonstrate his believe. 

As he attempted to choose his strategy, Muslims accept that the demon had done whatever it takes not to murder his child. Accordingly, Ibrahim tossed rocks at him. This is viewed as a critical act and one that is currently replicated by travelers at Hajj who toss stones at 3 pillars. As Ibrahim did God's order, God traded his child for a goat, which Ibrahim was permitted to sacrifice. Muslims around the globe presently celebrate this day by sacrificing animals. 

When is Eid-ul-Adha celebrated in the UK? 

In the Islamic schedule, festivities for Eid-ul-Adha start on the tenth day of the twelfth and last month called 'Zilhajjah'  "The Month of the Pilgrimage". This year Eid-ul-Adha 2020 will be celebrated from the night to July 30 until before the dawn of 2nd August.

How is it celebrated in the UK? 

Muslims in the UK for the most part start the festivals by taking a shower and wearing clean and sometimes new clothes before going into the mosque of their area for Eid Prayers. after performing Eid prayers all Muslims are then perform the main event of the day which is the 'Qurbani' (slaughter of an Animal's). As per British law, the animals must slaughter in an official slaughterhouse. The meat of the sacrificed animal is then mutually divided between family, companions, and the oppressed, also few Muslims will donate money to charity organizations or too unfortunate families. 

During the day Muslims will hug each other and wish each other "Eid Mubarak", which means "have a blessed Eid". As a part of a custom, Muslims will go to meet their family members and relatives. Some relatives and friends arrange lunch or dinner and invite their families and friends to celebrate the feast.

What difference this year will make to celebrate Eid due to pandemic?

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, some celebratory customs might be decreased or changed a bit. Since lockdown laws have just allowed gatherings of up to six to assemble, bigger family social affairs would conflict with the government guidelines right now. 

In May during Eid Al Fitr, government authorities cautioned Islamic people group against both huge social events, sharing food, and offering blessings in the form of gifts to kids. now the mosques are open in the UK but not for the big gatherings or services. Anyway places of worship and mosques are permitted to hold normal services beginning from this month which means Eid prayers can happen in mosques of the country as long as proper social distancing measures are applied.