Happy Eid Al-Adha

Eid Al-Adha is an important holiday of the Islamic calendar along with Eid AlFitr (the end of the holy month of Ramadan). Eid Al-Adha marks the climax of the annual hajj pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Twenty Arab countries will celebrate Eid Al-Adha today, but three countries announced the first day of Eid will be tomorrow! These differences raise questions among the public for the reasons that prevent all Muslims from agreeing on a specific day for religious holidays, whether it’s Ramadan or the pilgrimage season, and whether political and sectarian tensions have a role in this dispute.

I think it is becoming very common to witness such differences in the Arab world, but Kuwait usually follows Saudi Arabia on religious events. I really believe it is for the best interest of everyone to avoid creating unnecessary disputes and confusion among people.

Eid Al-Adha is the second of two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year, and Muslims around the world observe this event as a celebration of the pilgrimages. The local greetings on this day are Eid Mubarak or Eid Saeed, used to convey best wishes. This holiday is a good time for many families to visit relatives and donate money to the poor.

Eid Al-Adha this year falls during the summer holidays, creating a valuable opportunity to combine the two holidays in a touristic atmosphere. Many people have taken the week off to travel, while some will stay at home to avoid the heat and others will head to the beach. In all cases, these days are the right time for relaxation and enjoying quality time with friends and family.

The ways of celebrating Eid Al-Adha may differ between nations - however, joy and goodness itself does not change, and increases during these times. It is interesting that almost all Arab countries agree on the importance of food - especially sweets and sacrifice, which is part of religious rituals.

Another important and humanitarian aspect is that there are many poor workers who feel happy on such occasions, so I hope people share the joy by giving them a little money in charity. It is undoubtedly a beautiful thing to do on these days. This holiday is an opportunity to reform oneself and feel grateful for all the blessings we have in life.

I wish everyone a happy holiday and Eid Saeed!