While many non-Muslims may be familiar with the Muslim holiday of Ramadan, there is another, even more sacred holiday in the Islamic calendar: Eid al-Adha. To cultivate an authentically inclusive workplace, organizational leaders should familiarize themselves with this important celebration. Understanding the history of Eid al-Adha is essential to developing an organizational culture that values its Muslim employees.
What is Eid al-Adha?
In the Islamic faith, practicing Muslims typically celebrate two official holidays each year. These festivals, known as an “Eid” in Arabic, represent celebrations of two significant events in the history of Islam. The first, Eid al-Fitr (translated as “festival of breaking the fast”), occurs at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. This sacred month is a celebration of the first revelation of Allah to Muhammad and the subsequent writing of the Quran.
The second festival, or Eid, is Eid al-Adha (pronounced “EED al UHD–huh). This festival commemorates the actions of another prophet central to the history of Islam: Ibrahim. As the story is told in the Quran, Ibrahim was called upon to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, to Allah. As an act of faith, Ibrahim takes Ishmael to a sacrificial altar to carry out Allah’s command. However, just as he has prepared Ishmael to be sacrificed, Allah calls out to stop him, saying, “O, Ibrahim, you have already fulfilled the vision!” Because of his faith and willingness to sacrifice his own son, Allah rewards Ibrahim by blessing him with many descendants. To Muslims, the story of Ibrahim and Ishmael is a reminder of the commitment to Allah required in the Islamic faith.
How is Eid al-Adha Celebrated?
To commemorate the story of Ibrahim’s sacrifice, many Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha with a sacrifice of their own. Eid al-Adha translates as “the feast of sacrifice.” Families often use a sheep or goat for the sacrifice, and they divide meat for sharing between three groups. Two-thirds of the meat is shared between family and friends, with one-third being given to the poor. Families will visit the mosque together in the morning before coming home to partake in meals that incorporate the sacrificial meat.
Eid al-Adha celebrations typically last four days, but different Islamic sects may celebrate longer, sometimes up to 16 days. The holiday begins on the 10 day of the 12 lunar month. In 2024, Eid-al Adha will begin on the evening of June 16 and end on the evening of June 20.
These dates coincide with Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, which occurs from June 14 to June 19. One of the five pillars of Islam, this pilgrimage is a requirement for all physically and financially able Muslims. The overlapping celebrations with Hajj lead many Muslims to consider Eid al-Adha the most sacred holiday in Islam. They sometimes even refer to it as, “the greater Eid.”
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Accommodating Muslim Employees During Eid al-Adha
For Muslims, the time surrounding Eid al-Adha is as important as Christmas and Hanukkah are to Christians and Jews. That understanding can guide how employers accommodate Muslim employees during this sacred holiday. While offering time off during the winter holiday season is commonplace at many organizations, the same is not often true for the spring and summer holiday seasons surrounding Ramadan and Eid al-Adha. Providing time off to allow Muslim employees to celebrate is a simple practice that can demonstrate inclusion for employees of all faiths. However, be sure to communicate with employees to determine what an appropriate work schedule would be. Islam is a diverse religion with many sects and communities that each practice their faith differently. There are multiple ways to celebrate Eid al-Adha. It’s essential to work with employees to understand their individual needs during this time.
Organizations can also develop these inclusive practices during Eid al-Adha:
- Mindful workplace planning: Avoid booking important meetings or workplace events during this holiday. It would be insensitive to schedule an all-hands meeting on Christmas Day. Likewise, it would be equally insensitive to do the same during Eid al-Adha.
- Cultural education: Help non-Muslim managers and colleagues understand the holiday’s significance and common Eid practices. Learning traditional holiday greetings like “Eid Mubarak” (blessed feast) and “Eid Sa’id” (happy Eid) can also help Muslim employees feel seen and valued during this time.
- Treat each employee as an individual: Don’t make assumptions about an employee’s religious practices just because they identify as a Muslim. Don’t force Muslim employees to take time off or utilize prayer rooms if they choose not to.
By learning about this culturally significant holiday and giving employees agency in how they choose to observe it, organizations can develop inclusive practices that value Islamic culture broadly and Muslim employees individually.
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