Tabaski, or popularly known as Eid al-Adha which means Feast of Sacrifice is the second of two Islamic holidays that is being observed in the world each year, the other one is Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Adha or Tabaski is holier than Eid al-Fitr because it is said that the holiday honors the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his own son as an act of obedience to God’s command. But before Ibrahim sacrificed his own son, God provided a lamb to sacrifice instead. Let’s get to know more about Tabaski in this article.
History of Tabaski or Eid al-Adha
As we mentioned earlier, Tabaski started when Ibrahim faced one of the main trials in his life and it was God’s command to sacrifice his dearest possession, his very own son. When Ibrahim heard God’s command he prepared himself to submit to the will of God. During his preparation, the devil known as Shaitan tempted Ibrahim and his family by trying to deter them into submitting to God’s commandment. Ibrahim quickly drew the devil away by throwing pebbles at him.
When Ibrahim slashed his son’s throat on mount Afarat, he was surprised to see his son completely unharmed and he found out that he slashed a lamb’s throat all along. Ibrahim passed the test because of his willingness to sacrifice something special to him in exchange for carrying out God’s command. He showed that his love for God will surpass all others because he would lay down his own life or the lives of those he loved in submitting to God’s command.
What Do People Do During Tabaski?
That is why Muslims remember this ultimate act of sacrifice every year during Tabaski or Eid al-Adha. They sacrifice and divide a lamb into three parts in an act they called qurbani. One part of the lamb is given to the poor, the second part is for their own home, and the last part is for their relatives, this lamb signifies the animal that Ibrahim sacrificed instead of his own son. They also make a special effort to pray and listen to a sermon at a mosque, visit family and friends, wear new clothes.
During Tabaski or Eid al-Adha, many Muslims travel to Mecca and the other surrounding areas in Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. The Hajj pilgrimage is considered to be one of the five pillars of Islam that is why Muslims plan and save for so many years just for them to take part in this event.
When is Tabaski Celebrated?
Tabaski always falls on the same day of the Islamic calendar which is on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjiah. But if you will look at it in the international calendar or Gregorian calendar, the dates will vary from year to year which drifts approximately eleven days earlier each year.
Tabaski or Eid al-Adha is considered to be a public holiday in countries such as Jordan, Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Turkey, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates. But it is not considered to be a nationwide public holiday in places like Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. But some Islamic offices and organizations in the said places may be closed or offer a shorter period of service during the observation of Tabaski.