Kurban Bayramı: The Feast of Sacrifice

Kurban Bayramı, also known as Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى), is one of the most important religious festivals in the Islamic calendar. Translated as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” it commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God. Before the sacrifice took place, God intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed instead.

The festival falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and lasts for four days. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the date of Kurban Bayramı shifts approximately 11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. This means it can occur in any season.

The central ritual of Kurban Bayramı is the sacrifice (qurban) of an animal, typically a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. The animal must be healthy and of a certain age. The sacrifice is performed after the Eid prayer, a special congregational prayer held on the morning of the first day of the festival. The prayer is followed by a sermon delivered by the Imam.

The meat from the sacrificed animal is traditionally divided into three parts: one-third is kept by the family, one-third is given to relatives, friends, and neighbors, and one-third is donated to the poor and needy. This act of sharing and charity embodies the spirit of Kurban Bayramı, promoting generosity and social solidarity within the community.

Beyond the sacrifice, Kurban Bayramı is a time for family gatherings, visiting relatives and friends, and expressing gratitude for God’s blessings. Children often receive gifts of money or sweets, and special meals are prepared for the occasion. Many Muslims also use this time to reflect on their faith and reaffirm their commitment to following God’s teachings.

In Turkey, Kurban Bayramı is a national holiday, and many people travel to their hometowns to celebrate with their families. The holiday is marked by bustling markets where animals are bought and sold, and the aroma of roasting meat fills the air. Despite the holiday’s emphasis on sacrifice, it’s ultimately a joyful occasion filled with warmth, generosity, and a strong sense of community. It is a time to remember the importance of faith, obedience, and compassion, and to share blessings with those less fortunate.

Kurban Bayramı is a powerful reminder of the values of sacrifice, sharing, and community that are central to Islamic faith and practice. It is a time of reflection, celebration, and reaffirmation of commitment to God’s will.