With Eid around the corner, Muslims everywhere have began their preparations; women get mendhi (henna) done on their hands and pick out their outfits, while men get new haircuts. Eid is an Islamic holiday that's celebrated twice in a year- once after Ramadan (month of fasting)referred to as Eid-ul-Fitr and once after the descent of those performing Hajj (pilgrimage) referred to as Eid-ul-Adha- the latter is the one being celebrated this month.
Eid-ul- Adha is the Eid that's on Sept 12th. The celebration takes place after those in Hajj have taken off. The day before Eid it is recommended to fast (if one is good health and can handle it). It is believed that if one fasts the day before Eid then their sins from the past year will vanish. This day is referred to as the day of Arafat, which is taken from the name of the second day of Hajj. Those performing Hajj will leave at dawn and make their way to Mina to a nearby plain referred to as Mount Arafat. The night before Eid is referred to as "chaand raat" meaning "night of the moon/crescent". On this day, girls typically get together in a group setting and apply mendhi on one another for the holiday.
On the day of Eid it is common for Muslim students to not go to school (the state of New York is the only one in the U.S that recognizes Eid as a holiday and has no student attendance that day- like Christmas) so that they may attend Eid prayer, which happens in hours of the morning depending on the masjid (mosque)- some start prayer at seven in the morning while others have prayer around noon. Most mosques typically have two times for Eid prayer so people may choose to pray at whatever time is most convenient.
Eid is a holiday in which Muslims commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) upon Allah swt's (God's) command. The commandment was a test for the Prophet in which he passed, and before the sacrifice took place God swapped Prophet Ibrahim's son out in place of an animal. This is why Muslims around the world take place in qurbani (animal sacrifice) on this day. Many people in countries like Pakistan and India go and do the qurbani themselves with their family, while others in countries like the United States often have professionals sacrifice the animal under their name- although some do go and do it themselves.
One of the pillars of Islam is charity/donation and it's required for Muslims who are financially capable to donate to those less fortunate. On Eid it is common for Muslims to donate money or/and even distribute meat or a meat based meal to those who cannot afford to obtain one themselves.
Overall, Eid is a day where Muslims get together, share laughs, smiles, prayers, big meat-filled feasts, wear new clothes and spread more love and peace. Eid Mubarak to all those who celebrate!
