Sign up for the ING newsletter to receive news and announcements.
Muslims Commemorating the Prophet Abraham
in Hajj and Eid ul-Adha
Muslim Americans are in the blessed first ten days of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, which began last week and is a sacred time for Muslims across the world, especially those who are privileged to go on Hajj this year. This period of time for Muslims is a time for performing virtuous deeds, reading the Quran, fasting, performing extra prayers, engaging in meditative remembrances of God (dhikr), making supplication (du‘a), and giving of charity.
Hajj, which falls during the month of Dhul-Hijjah, begins this year on the evening of Friday, June 14th, and will end on the evening of Wednesday, June 19th. The peak of Hajj is the Day of Arafah when pilgrims gather on the plain and hillside of Mount Arafat in Mecca and spend the day in supplication, seeking forgiveness, and remembrance of God. Arafah is the day on which the Prophet Muhammad (p) gave his farewell sermon and the day on which, according to the Quran, Islam was fully revealed to the believers. God speaking in the Quran states with reference to the Day of Arafah, “This day I have perfected for you your religion and bestowed upon you the full measure of My [God’s] blessings, and willed that self-surrender unto Me [God] shall be your religion.” (Quran 5:3 translation by Muhammad Asad)
The Day of Arafah is also known as a day in which one’s sins are forgiven if one sincerely turns to God for forgiveness. According to prophetic sayings (Hadith), fasting on Arafah atones for the sins of the preceding and coming year.
This year the day of Arafah falls on Saturday, June 15th for some Muslims, or Sunday June 16th for others.* For Muslims across the world, it is an auspicious day for multiplying the rewards of one’s worship, charity, and virtuous actions. For more information about Hajj, please visit our webpage here.
Eid ul-Adha on Sunday June 16th for some,
or Monday June 17th for others*
Following the Day of Arafah is Eid ul-Adha, which is a holiday that commemorates the sacrifices of Abraham and his family, a story that appears in both the Quran and the Bible. Some Muslims will begin celebrating Eid on Sunday June 16th, while others on Monday June 17th*. On Eid, a special prayer and sermon are held on the morning of Eid day, followed by a community celebration usually at their local mosque, a rented large hall, or in a park. Food, games, and presents for children are important parts of the festivities, as friends and family spend the day socializing, sharing a meal, and reuniting with friends.
We wish all those celebrating Eid ul-Adha a very blessed holiday or Eid Mubarak!
*The two dates are based on differing opinions on the start of the lunar month. Muslims who follow the interpretation that lunar months begin based on the naked eye sighting of the crescent of the new moon in their region will commemorate the date of Arafah on Sunday, June 16th and Eid ul-Adha on Monday, June 17th. Those who base the start of the lunar month based on the astronomical birth of the new moon will commemorate the Day of Arafah on Saturday, June 15th and Eid ul-Adha on Sunday, June 16th. Both opinions are valid within Muslim communities across the world.
Employers:
-Some observant Muslim employees may ask for time off on Monday June 17th to celebrate Eid. Employees may ask for the entire day of Eid off or at least the morning of Eid to join their family in congregational prayers and community celebrations. Traditionally, Eid ul-Adha is celebrated over four days, which is sometimes possible to do if employees plan absences in advance.
-To extend greetings to a Muslim on Eid ul-Adha, you can use common phrases such as Eid Mubarak, which means “blessed holiday,” or simply, “Happy Eid,” since it is a happy occasion.
Resources on Countering Islamophobia
In ING seminars in corporations, schools and college campuses, and government agencies, we’re asked for resources on Islamophobia. Here are handouts with links to our resources about Islamophobia and other forms of bigotry, which you can download below and add to your databases of resources on countering Islamophobia and other forms of bigotry, the study of religion, and the study of Islam or Muslims. Beside educational work on Islamophobia, we stress the importance of contextualizing Islamophobia in other forms of bigotry such as antisemitism and anti-Blackness.
–For Educators in Schools and Colleges
–For Other Professional Groups
Thank you for your support of ING
In a nation and world increasingly threatened by racism, extremism, and violence, ING’s work of promoting mutual understanding and respect across lines of difference is needed more than ever. You can partner with us in this work with your donations. Make the world better, kinder, and brighter. Every dollar you give will create real change.
