What is Eid ul-Adha?

Narrator: This is Iqra, and she is seven years old. That’s her sister, Muskan, and her Mum and Dad.

The family loves to play games and spend time together.

Iqra’s Mum and Dad: Oh!

Iqra’s Mum: Your turn.

Narrator: Today, Iqra will do something new for the first time, but what will it be?

Iqra’s Dad: I’ve just received a text, guys, from Mum. She’s just saying that they’ve spotted the moon in Saudi Arabia. So it means it’s Eid in a few days’ time.

Iqra’s Mum: Oh, brilliant.

Iqra’s Dad: Wow.

Narrator: Eid is coming, how exciting!

Eid is the Islamic celebration of sacrifice. Muslim people know when to celebrate when the crescent moon is spotted in Saudi Arabia.

Eid is a time for prayer, giving to others and getting together with your family.

A lot of Muslim people believe this to be the holiest time of year, and go on a special journey to Mecca, a holy city in Saudi Arabia.

At Eid, Iqra’s family buy gifts for each other. Mum puts everyone’s name into a hat so they can pick who they’ll be getting a present for. This is known as Secret Eid.

Iqra’s Mum: Remember, you’ve got to keep it a secret, so don’t tell anybody.

Iqra: I won’t tell anyone.

Iqra’s Mum: Ok. Do you want to go first then?

Narrator: Iqra has picked Dad, but shh, you can’t tell him, it’s a surprise!

Iqra and her family have come to the mosque to find out more about Eid. The imam meets them.

The imam: Assalamualaikum, Eid Mubarak. Hi guys.

Iqra’s Mum: Wa Alaikum Assalam. Eid Mubarak.

The imam: It’s time for the wudu. Wudu is the action of washing yourself before you pray.

Narrator: Iqra washes her hands, face and feet. And then they go to the prayer room.

The imam: What is Eid?

Narrator: They learn that Eid is the story of the Prophet Abraham showing his obedience to God before they pray.

Back at home, Iqra is washing her hands, as she and her sister are making samosas with Grandma for Eid. They take the pastry and put in the filling. Mum fries the samosas in hot oil and then serves up.

Iqra’s Mum: All ready for you to try.

Narrator: Mmm, they look yummy!

It’s the morning of Eid, and after prayers, they all head to Grandma’s to celebrate.

Iqra’s Dad: Hello, Eid Mubarak everybody.

Narrator: Everyone welcomes each other, then gets ready for Secret Eid.

Iqra’s Mum: It’s time for Secret Eid. I wonder who’s got who?

Narrator: Ah! Iqra, it’s a bracelet! That looks nice. But what about Dad’s gift?

Iqra’s Dad: Thank you. It’s a cricket ball. Just what I wanted.

Narrator: It’s now time for a family feast. After which, Iqra’s Aunty draws a special flower pattern on her hand, using a dye called henna.

What a lovely design.

Today, Iqra celebrated Eid. There is a first time for everything.