Eid al-Adha – The Sacrifice Festival (Zhaisheng)-The Islamic New Year

Eid al-Adha (宰牲节), also known as the Sacrifice Festival, is one of the most significant religious celebrations in Islamic regions. In Arabic, it is called ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā (尔德·艾祖哈) or ʿĪd al-Qurbān (尔德·古尔邦). Observed annually on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar, immediately after the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, this festival commemorates the unwavering faith and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (易卜拉欣).

The central ritual of Eid al-Adha involves the sacrifice of healthy livestock, such as sheep, cattle, or camels. The meat from the sacrifice is traditionally divided into three portions: one-third for personal consumption, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for charitable distribution to the poor. Before the act of sacrifice, prayers are recited in the name of Allah, following strict ritual guidelines to ensure religious compliance and ethical treatment of the animals.

The Origin of Eid al-Adha

The tradition originates from the Qur’an and Hadith, recounting the story of Prophet Ibrahim (易卜拉欣) being tested by Allah (安拉). Allah commanded him in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, Isma’il (伊斯玛仪), as an ultimate act of obedience. Ibrahim (易卜拉欣) prepared to fulfill the command, and Isma’il (伊斯玛仪) willingly submitted. At the critical moment, Allah sent a ram to replace the son, establishing the ritual of animal sacrifice as a demonstration of faith, obedience, and devotion.

The festival emphasizes obedience, charity, unity, and sacrifice, core principles that continue to guide Muslim communities worldwide, including Chinese Muslims (回族) and other ethnic groups in China.

Names and Cultural Significance

Arabic Names and Meanings

• ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā (尔德·艾祖哈): Literally “Festival of Sacrifice,” the most formal and widely recognized name in the Arabic-speaking world. “Aḍḥā” (艾祖哈) directly refers to sacrifice.
• ʿĪd al-Qurbān (尔德·古尔邦): Literally “Festival of Closeness to Allah,” emphasizing the spiritual merit of sacrifice and charity. “Qurbān” (古尔邦) means closeness, devotion, and offering, highlighting the ritual’s moral and spiritual purpose.

Chinese Names and Interpretations

• 古尔邦节 (Gurbang Festival): Phonetic transliteration of “Qurbān,” the most commonly used term in Chinese.
• 宰牲节 (Sacrifice Festival): Named after the key practice of animal sacrifice.
• 忠孝节 (Loyalty and Filial Piety Festival): Emphasizes ethical values—faithfulness to Allah, respect for family, and care for others.

When Eid al-Adha Is Celebrated

Eid al-Adha is observed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, lasting for three days. The first day is considered the most important.

• Islamic Calendar: Based on a lunar calendar without intercalary months, so the corresponding Gregorian date moves earlier by about 10–11 days each year.
• In China: Local mosques observe moon sightings to confirm the start of the festival, synchronizing with global Muslim communities.

Core Rituals and Traditions

Preparations Before the Festival (1–2 Weeks Prior)

1. Spiritual and Physical Purification:
   Muslims perform ritual bathing (Ghusl), wear clean new clothes, and maintain ethical conduct to prepare spiritually.
2. Selecting the Sacrificial Animal:
   Families with financial means purchase healthy, unblemished animals—sheep, cattle, or camels—following Islamic law:
   • Sheep: 1 per person
   • Cattle or camel: 1 shared by 7 people
     Animals must meet age and health standards.
3. Home and Community Preparation:
   Homes are thoroughly cleaned, special festival foods prepared, including yóu xiāng (油香, fried sweet bread), sǎn zi (馓子, crispy fried strips), hand-pulled meat (手抓肉), and pastries. Public spaces may also be decorated for communal celebrations.

Day of Eid al-Adha (10th Dhu al-Hijjah)

Morning Prayer and Congregational Worship

• Muslims wake early for Fajr prayer (晨礼) and travel to the largest local mosque or open prayer area.
• The prayer, led by an Imam (阿訇), includes recitation from the Qur’an, sermons on faith, charity, and community, emphasizing the values of obedience, sacrifice, and unity.

Animal Sacrifice Ritual

• Timing: After morning prayers, to be completed before sunset on the first day.
• Requirements under Islamic Law:
  • Only Muslims can perform the sacrifice.
  • The animal must be alive, healthy, and unblemished.
  • At least three vital arteries must be severed, and Allah’s name (بسم الله و الله أكبر) must be recited.
• Distribution of Meat: Divided into three portions:
  1. Personal consumption (for family meals)
  2. Gifts to relatives and friends
  3. Charity to the poor, orphans, and travelers
• Ethnic Customs:
  • Northwestern Chinese Muslims often sacrifice sheep at home for small family gatherings.
  • Community sacrifices of cattle may be organized in larger towns, fostering a sense of collective joy and cooperation.

Family and Community Celebrations

• Visiting Relatives and Friends: Wearing new clothes, carrying gifts, exchanging greetings such as “Eid Mubarak (尔德穆巴拉克),” and sharing festival foods.
• Feasts: Families prepare traditional dishes like hand-pulled meat, stews, and mixed vegetable dishes for communal enjoyment.
• Mosque Activities: Sermons, Qur’an recitations, charity distribution, and reception of visiting Muslims reinforce community bonds.

Continued Observance (11th–12th Dhu al-Hijjah)

• Completion of sacrifices, visiting relatives, and continuing acts of charity.
• Festival atmosphere persists, maintaining communal engagement and spiritual reflection.

Religious and Cultural Significance

• Faith: Commemorates Ibrahim’s (易卜拉欣) obedience, reflecting submission to Allah (安拉) and spiritual devotion.
• Ethics: Promotes charity, care for the needy, and social solidarity, emphasizing that all Muslims are brothers and sisters.
• Community: Strengthens familial, neighborhood, and ethnic ties, preserving traditions and cultural identity of the Hui (回族) and other Muslim groups in China.

Legal Status and Regional Characteristics in China

• Official Holidays: In Hui-majority provinces such as Ningxia (宁夏), Xinjiang (新疆), Qinghai (青海), Gansu (甘肃), and Yunnan (云南), Eid al-Adha is recognized as a public holiday, ranging 1–3 days. Non-majority areas also allow leave for observance.
• Regional Customs:
  • Northwest China: Large-scale congregational prayers, collective sheep sacrifices, oil-frying of festival breads, visits to relatives, and ethnic performances like singing and horse racing.
  • North and East China: Emphasis on mosque prayers, family sacrifices, and communal meals, highlighting religious observance and family unity.
  • Southwest China (Yunnan): Festival markets, song and dance events, blending religious and local cultural elements.

Comparison with Eid al-Fitr (开斋节)

Islamic Guidelines for Sacrifice

• Animals Allowed: Sheep, cattle, camels, chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons; also wild animals like deer, elk, rabbits, and certain game birds.
• Conditions for Sacrificer: Must be a Muslim, mentally capable, adult or mature adolescent, and able to perform the ritual properly. Women can participate under these conditions.
• Sacrifice Principles: Animals must face Qibla (格卜赖), sharp knife used, swift cut, recite Tasmiyah (بسم الله و الله أكبر), sever at least three key arteries, and avoid unnecessary cruelty.

Eid al-Adha (宰牲节) is more than a religious obligation—it is a celebration of faith, charity, and community unity. In China, it seamlessly blends Islamic tradition with local cultural expressions, making it a vibrant and meaningful festival for both Muslims and visitors interested in experiencing authentic Hui (回族) culture. For travelers, witnessing Eid prayers, traditional sacrificial rituals, and family gatherings offers a profound insight into the spiritual and social life of Chinese Muslims.