You will have all heard of Eid, but what is the celebration about? Why is it important to so many?
Eid al Adha, also known as Eid al Kabir in Morocco, is an annual Islamic holiday celebrated by over 2 billion people across the globe each year. Eid has been called the 'Feast of the Sacrifice' as it commemorates the Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, upon Allah's request. The feast that takes place during Eid sacrifices an animal, often the body of a goat, sheep, cow or camel, thus replicating the devotion Abraham showed to Allah.
Similarly to Christmas, Eid has a deep meaning to believers but ultimately, the celebration is meant as a time to be together. The animal sacrificed is separated into three parts; one third to the family performing the sacrifice, one third to neighbours or friends, and the final third to the poor or vulnerable. This tradition is a way for the Islamic community to come together; friends, family, neighbours and strangers.
On the Day
- During the morning of Eid al-Adha, a special prayer called Salat al-Eid is recited in honour of the festival, ahead of the Dhuhr prayer at noon.
- Muslims traditionally dress in fine clothes in celebration of Eid al-Adha, in addition to exchanging gifts.
- Eidi is the Arabic word for a gift given to children by relatives during Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr.
The Food
Eid al-Adha is known as “salty Eid”, where the food eaten during the festival is predominantly savoury. By contrast, Eid al-Fitr is is called “sweet Eid”. However, there are some dishes eaten for both festivals. For example, Moroccan pastries called Ka’ab. They are made using ingredients including almonds and fragrant orange blossom and served in a crescent shape - delicious!
Amboora's CEO and founder, Nadia Hamila will be celebrating Eid this year with her daughter, of whom the company is named after. She says:
"I will be make a range of dishes but lower quantities and I won’t be able to have many family members over. On the menu is a slow roast lamb smothered in our Ras El Hanout, a range of salads which will include corn ribs with our Smokey Ras El hanout. I’m also making a dish which I really miss eating and it’s really nostalgic for me. We call it ‘Alaoua’ but other regions call it Tkalia. It’s a tagine but made with offal which doesn’t sound appetising but I love it! I will also be grilling some kidneys with cumin and salt which is another simple yet delicious dish."
She also talks about the importance of the celebration to her.
"Eid is a special time for me in addition to carrying out the obligatory activities but I just enjoy occasions bring the family together, eating delicious food and getting dressed in beautiful colourful clothes. I enjoy cooking for my family and seeing everyone enjoying themselves and having a good time!"
This year, Eid al Adha will take place from the 19th to the 23rd of July - who are you celebrating with? If you are celebrating, Amboora are wishing you a very happy Eid Mubarak!
