Eid el-Kebir is expected to be celebrated by all Muslims this year at the end of June. What are the exact dates? Why do we celebrate Eid al-Kebir? We take stock.
Eid el-Kebir is one of the Muslim holidays that is celebrated every year without exception. This year, it should start from June 29. also called Eid al-Adha, “feast of the sacrifice” or “sheep Festival”for Muslims it is a very important party, which is differentiated from Eid al-Fitr. It brings together families and loved ones for a moment of sharing and conviviality in the name of their God, Allah. The celebration generally extends over three days and gives rise to various offerings (cakes, gifts, etc.). Origin, traditions, culinary specialties… Here is what you need to know about Eid el-Kebir.
When is Eid el-Kebir in 2023?
THE Eid el-Kébird dates have not yet been confirmed, nor by the French Council for Muslim Worship (CFCM), nor by the Great Mosque of Paris. On the other hand, on the site of the Great Mosque of Paristhe organization posted the following date: Thursday, June 29, 2023specifying “uncertain”.
Why do we celebrate Eid el-Kébir?
There celebration of Eid el-Kebir refers to the episode of Abraham’s sacrifice (Ibrahim in Arabic) which appears in both the Koran and the Old Testament. During a dream, Abraham saw himself sacrificing his son. As he is ready to obey this vision, a sign of his trust and submission to God, the Angel Gabriel intervenes and substitutes a sheep for the son of Abraham. In this Koranic account appears both the testing of faith and divine mercy.
Furthermore, in the surah 37 (verses 105 to 113) refers to a “generous immolation”, instead of the sacrifice of the son of Abraham, which is similar for the interpreters of the Muslim religion to the sacrifice of a sheep or a ram, sometimes a goat or a cow.
Eid el-Kébir takes place over three days, but it is during the first hours that the Muslim faithful must fulfill the most symbolic religious obligation of the holiday: the sacrifice of the sheep, according to specific rules. After this sacrifice, the meat is prepared and cooked to be served on large tables. Muslim families also take the opportunity to go to morning prayer places. others culinary specialties are also made and when gathering around the meal, the faithful put on their best outfits and offer gifts to their loved ones.
What do we eat for Eid El Kebir?
Depending on the origins (Tunisian, Moroccan, or Algerian…), the culinary traditions can be slightly different. But the main course at Eid el-Kébir remains cooked mutton, served with couscous. We also find leg of lamb, or even the mrouziaa typical Moroccan dish which is a tajine with sweet and savory flavors.
What are the rules for slaughtering sheep for Eid el-Kébir?
At the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca, the faithful gather for a great collective prayer, before proceeding to the sacrifice of an animalhaving to respond to strict rules defined by the Halal service of the Grand Mosque of Paris. In particular, the animal chosen must not see the blade before the sacrifice, nor be stunned, it must remain conscious. It is also essential that the throat cutting occurs after the prayer before sunset of the third dayand in approved slaughterhouses. The slaughter of sheep outside an approved slaughterhouse is likely to be the subject of a criminal sanction. Once the mutton has been prepared according to Muslim rites (it must in particular be emptied of its blood), it is ready to be eaten with family and friends. Tradition has it that the poorest inherit part of the meat, as a way of sharing.
How to wish a good Eid el-Kebir?
The consecrated formula to wish each other a happy Eid day is “Eid Mubarak!”.