Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the tenth day of Dul-Hijah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. The significance of this day is related to a crucial historical event that took place in the Islamic history. Prophet Abraham was commanded by God to sacrifice his own son. While in the middle of doing the act, God replaced his son with a ram instead. This Eid honors Prophet Abraham for obeying God's instructions without doubt. The day is also known as the Day of Sacrifice. Nowadays, many Muslims typically sacrifice an animal and then give it to the poor and needy.

Muslims get ready for this day by buying new clothes and decorating their houses as well. In the early morning Muslims attend a prayer held by their local mosques. This prayer is important because it’s only held on the two Eids. After they pray there is usually a small sermon given by the Imam, the leader of the mosque. Muslims also give each other presents to celebrate this day as well.

This Eid is also really significant because it happened at the end of the Hajj season. There are  5 pillars in Islam and one of those pillars is doing Hajj, which is a pilgrimage to Makkah or Mecca. It’s obligatory on those who have the money and health to do so.

I asked people my age three questions about Eid:

What does Eid mean to you ?

What is your favorite thing to do on Eid?

What is your favorite memory about Eid?

Here is what they shared with me.

“The meaning of Eid is showing gratitude, families coming together, and sharing food and prayers. My favorite thing to do on Eid is spending quality time with my family. We are always busy and so Eid is a time where we can just talk and have fun. One of my favorite memories of Eid is waking up early in the morning. Walking to the mosque, enjoying breakfast with loved ones, dressing up. I just love Eid,” Marwo Omar said.

“My favorite thing to do on Eid is to go to eat somewhere nice with my family. It’s a tradition in our house to go out as a family every Eid and go to a fancy restaurant. It’s a rare occasion for our entire family to get together because everyone is so busy but when we do get together, it’s always a joyful and special time for us,” Farhiya Yusuf said.

“Eid means a day of celebration where I get to spend time with my loved one. My favorite thing to do on Eid is take an Eid nap because that is the best sleep ever and also the food especially cambaabur, the traditional Somali Eid breakfast, it’s so good. My favorite memory of Eid is family trips because, like I said, family quality time,” Ladan Omar said.