Eid al-Adha, also known as Qurbani Eid, is a significant festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Qurbani, or Udhiya, means sacrifice and is the tradition of sacrifice and sharing with family, friends, and those in need. This joyous occasion holds great religious and cultural importance, commemorating the spirit of sacrifice, generosity, and devotion. Eid al-Adha allows Muslims to reflect upon the values of compassion, generosity, and unity while deepening their connection with Allah (“God” in Arabic) and their fellow human beings.
At Westfine Meats it is important to support Eid for several reasons. By recognizing and supporting Eid, Westfine Meats demonstrates its commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and respect for different faiths and traditions. This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and goodwill among its diverse customer base.
Eid al-Adha is observed on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, following the completion of Hajj. The key ritual of Qurbani involves the sacrifice of an animal, such as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. This act serves as a symbolic gesture of sacrifice, humility, and gratitude towards Allah. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three equal parts, as per the Islamic mandates. Muslims donate a third of the meat from the sacrifice to the poor and needy, they gift a third of it to friends and relatives, and the last third is retained for use by their immediate family.
The date of the celebration is determined by the sighting of the moon, as per the Islamic calendar. In 2023, Eid al-Adha is predicted to be celebrated on Wednesday the 28th of June. To confirm the exact date, individuals and Islamic authorities keep an eye out for the sighting of the new moon, which marks the beginning of the lunar month. Once the moon is sighted, people begin preparations for the festivities.
This joyous festival serves as a reminder of the devotion demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim and encourages Muslims to emulate his unwavering faith. This is a time for families and communities to come together in celebration. Relatives and friends gather to perform prayers at the mosque, exchange heartfelt greetings, and enjoy festive meals. The occasion strengthens family bonds and encourages forgiveness and reconciliation.
During Qurbani Eid, the act of Qubrani or Udhiya (sacrificial harvest) customarily involves a dedication of the sacrifice to the name of a family member or friend for the sake of their health and blessings. Then the animal is slaughtered by hand while invoking the name of Allah (“Bismillah Allahu Akbar”) while the animal faces towards Qibla. As a result, Westfine Meats ensures that when our customers get their lamb it has been specifically blessed in the name they have requested. It’s a rigorous and well-organized process in which we track every single lamb and the customer for whom they are blessed, to ensure that they end up with their lamb.
Have a peaceful Eid al-Adha.