On one fateful night, the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) experienced a vivid dream-vision. In the dream, Allah Almighty appeared before Ibrahim and commanded him to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail as an act of obedience and submission.

As Hazrat Ibrahim’s (AS) devotion to Allah was nothing short of absolute, he took Hazrat Ismail (AS) to the top of Mount Arafah and braced himself to make the ultimate sacrifice. But just as he was about to slaughter Ismail (AS), the archangel Jibril appeared before the patriarch with a ram in tow. Jibril then revealed that Hazrat Ibrahim’s (AS) faith had been vindicated and that the ram was to be sacrificed as a ransom for his (AS) son.

Reflecting on Ibrahim’s (AS) obedience, devotion and submission, Muslims around the world have since honored Eid ul Adha as the Day of Sacrifice. As we draw nearer to the commemoration of this inspiring event, here are the dates, calendar and guide to celebrating Eid Adha 2021.

• Eid Adha dates and calendar
• Eid Adha public holiday in Pakistan
• How is Eid Adha celebrated in Pakistan?
• COVID-19 Guidelines for Eid Adha 2021

Eid Adha dates and calendar

This year, Eid ul Adha is expected to begin on the evening of Monday, 20 July and go on till the evening of Tuesday, 21 July 2021. The date is subject to change depending on the sighting of the moon of Dhu al-Hijjah, 1442.

Eid Adha public holiday in Pakistan

Eid ul-Adha is celebrated for three straight days in Pakistan. All private and government organizations and institutes will remain closed during the festival.

In 2021, the public holiday for Eid Adha is on 19, 20, 21 and 22 July. Offices are expected to reopen on 25 July.

How is Eid Adha celebrated in Pakistan?

For Pakistanis, the day of Eid ul Adha starts with morning prayers at the mosques. Muslims meet each with open arms and wish each other “Eid Mubaarak” and “Eid Saeed” on this auspicious day.

The main observance of Eid ul Adha in Pakistan is the symbolic reenactment of Hazrat Ibrahim’s (AS) obedience by sacrificing a goat, lamb, or ram. Many Muslim families distribute the meat from the sacrificed animal to amongst family, neighbours, friends, as well as the poor, so that all Muslims can enjoy a meat-based meal on this pious day. Sheer khurma, a sweet delicacy made with milk, vermicelli, and dry fruits is another highlight of Eid Adha.

Men, women and children alike wear new clothes and dress up in festive attire to celebrate the occasion with gaiety and fervor. Pakistanis often invite friends and family over to share the meals of Eid. People also make it a point to visit their loved ones and exchange presents.

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COVID-19 Guidelines for Eid Adha 2021

The National Command & Operation Centre (NCOC) has issued guidelines for Eid ul Adha being celebrated in July.

Prayers and ablution

It has been advised that devotees should perform ablution at home.

There should be thermal screening at entry points of Eidgahs, social distancing and facemasks for all worshippers. Separate entrance and exit points should be created to avoid bottlenecks at the place of prayer (Eidgah).

Mosques must close no later than 10 minutes after the prayers end. Windows and doors of the mosques should be kept open for good ventilation during the duration of the prayer. Imams should deliver sermons on the topic of the virus and preventative measures that the Government of Pakistan has taken in order to slow the spread to give individuals an active role in promoting the health and safety of the members of society.

People have been asked to bring their own mats. Neither carpets nor prayer mats would be laid down in Eidgah for prayers. Water coolers won’t be used either.

At animal markets/mandiis

The guidelines encourage the online buying, e-selling, and slaughter arrangements of the animals to the extent possible. Local authorities should allocate large enough spaces away from populated areas for animal markets/mandiis. Public notices promoting hand hygiene and social distancing shall be put up.

All sellers must get vaccinated and should be able to produce proof if asked. They should not shake hands with customers or touch the animals without gloves. They must also keep a disinfection formulation with 0.5% diluted bleach or 60%-80% dilute alcohol solution to disinfect the most frequently used surfaces by customers.

Stalls should be set up at a distance of at least two metres from each other while ensuring adequate space between animals. Each seller must ensure queue control and maintaining the advised two metres distance in his allocated space.

Customers should not touch the animals without gloves and avoid contact with surfaces.

Social distancing (at least 2 metres), wearing surgical/medical masks, thermal screening, and hand sanitization (with at least 70% alcohol) is compulsory for all, sellers as well as customers. Anyone exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed at the markets.

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