The second of the two major Muslim holidays begins with Arefe-evening, Thursday, October 3rd, causing the authorities and banks to only be open half day. From Saturday, October 4th and Tuesday October 7th the Feast is celebrated and government agencies, banks and post office are closed. Some shops may also be closed.
The Feast is celebrated in Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) honour for his willingness to sacrifice his first-born and only son of God’s glory. Ibrahim spoke with his son who told his father that he willingly allowed himself to be sacrificed if it was God’s will. When Ibrahim raised the knife to perform the sacrifice his son turned into a sheep and the son was and remained alive. God had tested Abraham’s faith and he had passed the test through their actions, because God saved his son´s life.
This festival is celebrated by all Muslims and one begins by dressing up nicely and pray the victims prayer in the mosque on Arefe-evening.
Those who can afford sacrifice cattle, usually a sheep as a symbol of Ibrahim’s sacrifice. The sacrificed animal is known as the “kurbani” must pass certain age and quality standards or else the animal is considered as unacceptable for sacrifice. Usually, the animal must be at least a year old. According to the Qur’an, a large portion of the meat should be donated to the poor and hungry, so everyone can join the party, which is held during this festival. The remainder is cooked for the family celebration where relatives and friends are invited. During this season Muslims are also reminded to share their abundance to those who have less and those with disabilities who can not support themselves.
It is also intended that people should be reconciled with each other during this weekend, mostly with their parents, then with his other family members and their friends.
The Feast of Sacrifice always falls on the same day according to the Islamic calendar. According to the Gregorian calendar (the one we use) the date varies from year to year. This is because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycles while the Gregorian follows the sun cycles, which means that the Islamic time count is about 11 days shorter per year than the Gregorian time count.
It is not allowed to drink alcohol at a meal prepared for sacrifice, it is considered to be a sin.
Tip: Complete all banks, post offices and government affairs before Thursday, October 3rd, even if everything is open at least half day that day. It tends to be mayhem everywhere. ATMs tend to be emptied around Sunday, so take the opportunity before.
Wednesday, October 8th, everything is back to normal.
Happy Bayram everyone!
