The feast of Eid el-Kebir is now known, fixed by the Theological Council of Muslims in France. What does this holiday, one of the most important in the Muslim calendar, consist of? Traditions, customs, religious obligations… here is everything that frames this celebration.
What is the date of Eid el-Kébir or Eid al-Adha in 2022?
[Mise à jour du 30 juin 2022 à 9h52]. In a press release published on June 25,the Theological Council of Muslims in France (CTFM) has published the date of the feast of Eid el-Kebir, which will therefore take place on Saturday July 9, 2022. Also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, it takes place on the tenth day of the lunar month Dhu al-Hijja, the holy month. according to the Hijri calendar of this year 1443 (corresponding to the year 2022 of the Gregorian calendar). “Given the most accurate scientific data, the conjunction (new moon) will take place, insha’Allah, on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 2:52 GMT (3:52 a.m. Paris time). The new crescent moon will be visible, insha’Allah, the same day at 6:02 p.m. GMT (7:02 p.m. Paris time)” added the CTMF. To determine the date of the beginning of the party, we base ourselves on the Crescent moon which marks the beginning of the month. Lhe sheep festival closes the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Why do we celebrate Eid el-Kébir?
The celebration of Eid el-Kebir directly echoes the episode ofthe sacrifice of Abraham (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. Note that the sura 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.
What recipes to cook with mutton for Eid El Kebir?
According to the origins (Tunisian, Moroccan, or Algerian…) the traditions can be slightly different. But the main course remains cooked mutton for the whole family, accompanied by couscous. We also find leg of lamb, or even the mrouzia, a typical Moroccan dish. This is a tajine with sweet and savory flavors.
Sheep slaughter for Eid: what are the rules?
At the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca, the faithful gather for a great collective prayer, before proceeding to the sacrificehaving to respond to strict rules defined by the Halal service of the Great Mosque of Paris. In particular, the animal chosen must not see the blade before the sacrifice, nor be stunned. He must remain conscious. It is also essential that the throat be cut after the prayer and 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 consumed with family and friends. Tradition has it that the poorest inherit part of the meat, as a way of sharing.
Two approved slaughterhouses
On the occasion of Aïd El Kébir, the State services recall what sheep slaughtering can only be done in approved and authorized slaughterhouses. People who wish to sacrifice an animal must therefore contact one of these establishments by consulting the Ministry of Agriculture website.. In each department, checks are carried out in these slaughterhouses authorized by the departmental directorate for the protection of populations to verify compliance with the rules of hygiene, animal protection and the environment. The main objectives of such checks are to set aside sick animals, destroy meat that is unfit for consumption and check that waste is properly managed.
Eid Mubarak!
The celebration extends over a period of four days and sometimes gives rise to various offerings (cakes, gifts, etc.). The consecrated formula to wish each other a happy Eid day is “Eid Mubarak!“.