How to have a Vegan Eid al-Adha

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Treating all beings with kindness and respect is one of the cornerstones of Islamic teachings.

You can celebrate Eid Al Adha this year in ways that don’t involve animal sacrifice. 

Remember that the essence of Eid Al Adha is to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice and to promote compassion and empathy. Celebrating it in a vegan manner can align with those values while also respecting your dietary choices.

If you’re travelling to Brunei, here are 6 of the Best Mosques to Visit while you’re there.


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WHAT IS EID AL ADHA?

Eid al-Adha (Eid ul-adha) is known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”.  It’s one of the two major Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year (the other being Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan). 

Prophet Ibrahim had a dream where he was commanded by Allah (God) to sacrifice his son Isma’il. Despite the emotional turmoil, Ibrahim was willing to obey God’s command. However, just as he was about to sacrifice his son, God intervened and provided a ram as a substitute sacrifice. This is often cited as a demonstration of Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and obedience to God. It’s also celebrated during the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, commemorating Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice.

The day of Eid al-Adha marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his only son as an act of obedience to God. 

In observance, some Muslims opt to perform “Qurbani,” sacrificing animals such as sheep, goats, cattle, or camels. This act symbolises how God provided Ibrahim with a ram to substitute for his son.

The sacrificed offering is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends and one for people in need.



WHEN IS EID AL-ADHA?

Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. However, the exact date varies depending on the sighting of the moon, so it’s best to consult a local Islamic authority for the precise date each year. 

Here are some predicted dates on when future Eid Al-Adha will occur (Inshallah). But please confirm these dates closer. 

2024 – June 17

2025 – June 6

2026 – May 26

2027 – May 16


10 WAYS TO CELEBRATE A VEGAN EID AL-ADHA

1. Plant Based Feast: Prepare a variety of delicious vegan dishes using plant-based ingredients. You can make vegan versions of traditional Eid recipes, such as vegan biryani, chickpea curry, lentil soup, vegetable kebabs, or stuffed bell peppers. Explore vegan recipe blogs and cookbooks for inspiration.

2. Vegan Barbecue: Organize a vegan barbecue with plant-based alternatives like vegan burgers, sausages, and kebabs made from tofu, tempeh, seitan, or plant-based meat substitutes. Serve grilled vegetables, vegan salads, and vegan dips like hummus and baba ganoush.

3. Vegan Potluck: Coordinate a vegan potluck with friends and family. Each participant can bring a vegan dish to share. This way, you’ll have a diverse range of vegan dishes to enjoy and everyone gets to showcase their culinary skills.

4. Charity and Giving: Eid Al Adha is also a time for charity and giving. Consider donating to animal welfare organizations or vegan food banks in your area. This will align with the spirit of sacrifice and compassion while supporting causes that promote veganism.

5. Compassionate Gift Exchange: Instead of traditional gifts like meat or animal products, exchange vegan-friendly gifts that align with your values. You can give vegan cookbooks, cruelty-free cosmetics, plant-based food baskets, or even sponsor an animal at a farm sanctuary in someone’s name.

6. Visit Animal Sanctuaries: Plan a visit to a local animal sanctuary or rescue organization. Spend time with the animals, learn their stories, and support their well-being. This can be a powerful way to connect with animals and deepen your understanding of compassion.

7. Vegan Sweets and Desserts: Eid celebrations often include a variety of sweets and desserts. Explore vegan versions of traditional desserts like vegan baklava, date-based treats, vegan rice pudding, or vegan chocolate truffles. Many vegan recipes are available online to cater to your sweet tooth.

8. Spend time in Nature: Spend time outdoors in nature and appreciating the beauty of what you see around you. You can go for a hike, have a picnic in the park, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment in nature.

9. Reflect and Give Thanks: Take time to reflect on the values of compassion, empathy, and gratitude during Eid al-Adha. Express gratitude for the blessings in your life and reflect on ways to live in harmony with all beings on Earth.

10. Teach Children Islamic Values: Take time to educate children about the significance of Eid al-Adha and the importance of compassion, sacrifice, and obedience in Islam. Share stories from the life of Prophet Ibrahim and engage in age-appropriate activities that promote Islamic values and teachings.


ISLAMIC QUOTES ABOUT ANIMALS

“A good deed done to an animal is as meritorious as a good deed done to a human being, while an act of cruelty to an animal is as bad as an act of cruelty to a human being.” – Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

“There is reward for kindness to every living thing” – Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

“May the curse of Allah be on the one who treats an animal harshly” – Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

“There is not an animal that lives on the Earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but forms part of communities like you. Nothing have we omitted from the Book, and they all shall be gathered to their Lord in the end.” – The Qur’an 6:38

“It is not their flesh, nor their blood, that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him” 
- The Qur’an 22:37

If you’re looking for more, I also have 15 Inspirational Muslim Travel Quotes and Islamic Duas for Travel.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please read the following links by people who can give you more thorough Islamic knowledge and advice than I ever could! They are much more knowledgeable.


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