Eid-ul Al'haa Holiday in Maldives

Eid-ul Al'haa, also known as Eid al-Adha, is one of the most significant Islamic holidays celebrated in the Maldives. It corresponds with the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. This annual event commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God before God provided a ram to sacrifice instead.

History and Traditions

In Maldivian tradition, Eid-ul Al'haa is marked by special prayers and sermons held in mosques across the archipelago. The day starts with a communal prayer at dawn, known as Salat al-Eid. The history of Eid in the Maldives intertwines with its Islamic heritage which dates back to the 12th century when the country embraced Islam.

Activities on Eid-ul Al'haa

• Animal Sacrifice: Following the prayer, those who can afford it will perform Qurbani by sacrificing a goat, cow, or sheep. The meat from this sacrifice is then distributed among family, friends, and importantly, to those in need.

• Feasting: Families gather for lavish meals after distributing Qurbani meat. Traditional dishes and sweets are prepared and shared.

• Dressing Up: People wear new clothes or their best attire for this occasion.

• Charity: Acts of charity are highly encouraged during this time as giving to less fortunate members of society is considered a key part of celebrating Eid.

• Socializing: Visiting relatives and neighbors is common practice on this day; it's a time for fostering community bonds and reconciliation.

• Public Celebrations: In normal circumstances, public celebrations include music, folk dances, and other festivities that vary from island to island.

The exact date of Eid-ul Al'haa varies each year as it's determined by the lunar-based Islamic calendar. In Maldives’ context, these celebrations also reflect local customs and add a unique flavor to this global Islamic festival.