Perhaps one of the most widely-celebrated holidays in Muslim countries, the Eid Al-Adha or the “Festival of Sacrifice” is observed every year by Muslims all over the world.
The Kuwaiti cabinet has released an official statement confirming the dates of the Eid holidays that will begin on Sunday (August 19), and end on Thursday (Aug. 23). The government also disclosed that all work will temporarily be ceased within ministries ministries and government departments for the entire week, as reported by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
Kuwait Reveals Official Dates to be Observed for the Eid Al-Adha Holidays
The Arafat Day, which occurs on the ninth day of the Islamic Lunar calendar, marks the beginning of the Eid Al-Adha holidays.
During the Hajj (the annual pilgrimage of our Muslim brothers and sisters to Mecca), Muslims from all corners of the world commemorate the sufferings and triumphs of the prophet Ebrahim.
The holiday venerates the prophet Ebrahim and his willingness to sacrifice his son, Esmail, to show his obedience to the command of Allah.
However, even before Ebrahim was able to offer up his son, Allah sent his angel Jibra’il to provide Ebrahim a goat to sacrifice on his son’s stead.
In remembrance of this event, Muslims during Eid-Al Adha offer a goat as a sacrifice, and divide it into three parts: one for the family, another for the relatives, and the last one for the poor. This is done in accordance to Ebrahim’s example of good faith and obedience to Allah, even at the cost of his own son.
Earlier this year, news spread out that the Eid-Al Adha holidays could either be observed in 5 or 9 days. With the cabinet’s announcement made, majority of the working population will be able to enjoy a 5-day holiday off, while those who have Fridays and Saturdays off, will get to enjoy a nine-day work break, including Aug. 17-18 (Fri-Sat) and Aug. 24-25 (Fri-Sat) in the count.