Tripoli, Lebanon - June 16, 2024

This month of June 2024 also includes a prominent Islamic holiday around the world. It is the Feast of the Lamb or Eid al-Adha.

It symbolises devotion and gratitude to God by recalling that Abraham agreed to kill his own son as a token of his love for him, who eventually put an animal in his place.

After the conclusion of Ramadan, 70 days must be counted towards the celebration of Eid al-Adha, which also coincides with the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

The Qur'an states that on the tenth day of the month - which in Islam is governed by the moon - of Dhul-Hijjah, in which the pilgrimage to Makkah takes place, the sacrifice is celebrated. However, as it depends on the observation of the moon, the date does not usually coincide in countries such as Morocco, Libya and Saudi Arabia.

This Islamic festival is seen as an expression of renewal and rebirth. The rite that makes up the sacrificial feast consists of a full ritual bath (gusl), a short prayer with a communal sermon in the morning, followed by the sacrifice of a lamb (qurbani or udhiya) performed by the head of the household.
The parts of the lamb or sheep are used to prepare typical dishes such as boulfaf or douara stew, a stew-like dish. Between meals, family and friends gather and wish a 'Happy Eid to all their guests'.
The holiday is presented as an occasion to be with family, to remember God and to practice charity. Those most in need often receive part of the sacrifice.

For many Muslims, Eid al-Adha is more important than the end of Ramadan. As the Prophet Muhammad said: "He who has the means and does not perform the sacrifice is not one of us".

SHOTLIST:
1. Various lamb trade in Ankara;
2. Various lamb trading in Tripoli.