Basically, there are two main Eid festivities in Islamic Calendars. Dates of these festivals are always expected. In Islamic countries, there are 3 public holidays for Eid celebrations from work and educational institutions.
There are 3.3 million Muslims in UK including ten thousand only from Birmingham. All Muslim worshipers from the UK gather at one place to celebrate these Islamic festivities.
As we all know Eid ul Fitr comes after the end of Ramadan, Eid ul Adha is expected after 2 months and 10 days of 1st Shawal. Eid-ul-Adha comes within the last month (Dhu-al-Hajj) of the Islamic Calendar. Currently, this is 1442 Muslim year that started in August 2020.
Islamic dates are not fixed and they change according to the rotation of the moon. As compared to the sun-base year, a lunar year only includes 354 days. In Islamic Calendar, there is a difference of 11 days in days and events every year.
When is Eid ul Adha 2021 in the UK?
Eid ul Adha 2021 in UK will start from the evening of 19 July, Monday and ends on the evening of 23 July, Friday. As we all know, Islamic months revolve around the lunar cycle, so 2021 Eid ul Adha dates may vary. Due to Covid-19 and lockdown restrictions, Eid ul Adha 2021 in the UK is not going to be any different from last year. People are advised to spend most of their time within the boundaries of the household. As per information, people are not allowed to fly within the country to see their relatives. In the end, it all depends on lockdown and Covid-19.
Meaning of Eid ul Adha
Eid Ul Adha has a great back –up story that shows the love of Ibrahim towards Allah (SWT). On this day, Muslims recall the sacrifice of Ibrahim and how he bows in front of Allah’s will. According to Islamic Scholars, Ibrahim got ready to sacrifice his son Ismael because Allah asked him to do so. On Eid ul Adha Muslims appreciate the courage and selflessness of Ibrahim and ask Allah (SWT) to bless them with it.
What is the Importance of Eid Ul Adha?
Among Muslim nations and in the Islamic faith, Eid ul Adha is known as the festival of Sacrifice towards Allah (SWT). Muslims from all around the world experience the festivities of Eid ul Adha on the 10th of Dhu-al Hajj every year. Among all Islamic events, Eid ul Adha is one of the holiest Islamic events. Every year, Muslims do special arrangements to celebrate this festival of sacrifice. On Eid ul Adha 2021 in England, people will visit the London community centre, Birmingham, Glasgow, Bristol, Edinburgh and visit and other cities to make possible arrangements to show their affection and sacrifice on this Holy event.
How to Celebrate Eid ul Adha 2021 in UK?
Like Eid ul Fitr, people will also start their day by performing Ghusl; it is an Islamic full-body purifying ritual. After this, they will get ready and wear their finest outfit. Like Meethi Eid (Eid ul Fitr), people will visit their local mosque or any outdoor arrangements to offer a special Eid prayer. The central ritual of Eid ul Adha is Qurbani (the sacrifice of an adult cow, sheep, or a goat). According to Islamic rules, the animal should be healthy, adult, and not pregnant. According to British Law, Muslims are allowed to perform this Islamic ritual in special Slaughterhouses.
How Muslims will offer Eid Prayer in the UK?
In normal circumstances, Muslims in the UK also gather in their local mosques and offer their Eid prayer. But due to the coronavirus and lockdown, this year it will be different.
The Muslim Council of Britain has already released rules and regulations on its website. it is clearly mentioned in those rules that this year there will be outdoor arrangements for Eid Namaz instead of indoor staggered.
MCB (Muslim Council of Britain) advised that Eid Khutbahs and sermons will be kept short and time should be equally managed for every ritual. There is also a ban on greeting with handshakes and hugs.
MCB (Muslim Council of Britain) also advised people to meet their friends and relatives outdoors and the minimum number of people should be only 6 to 8 at one time.
Mosques in Canada are also following the same guidelines. In James Masjid of Toronto, Muslims are encouraged to save a spot for their Eid prayer in advance through the online Jannat app.
Bosnian Islamic Association has also offered a solution for those people who are unable to make bookings in advance. They can still offer their Eid Namaz at home and take online Khutbahs.
Which Animals should be used for Qurbani?
Muslims can use either a small animal (such as goat and shop) or sacrifice large animals (such as cows and camels). Apparently, you fulfill your Qurbani obligations by choosing any of these animals for sacrifice.
Halal slaughterhouses in the UK
According to an old analysis, there were a total of 413 Abattoirs or slaughterhouses in the UK. And 76 of them are labeled as Halal and Muslims use them for performing their religious ritual of Qurbani.
Check here stats and analysis of abattoir houses in the UK.
How is Qurbani performed in UK’s slaughterhouses?
A group of licensed and fully-trained Muslim slaughter men are ready to perform this religious ritual in slaughterhouses. They follow all Islamic rules and regulations of performing sacrifice such as
- It is compulsory to do the rendition of Shahada, Tasmiya (Bismillahi Allahu-Akbar). Without doing this, the Slaughtering of animals is not halal.
Reciting these religious Kalmat is also necessary even if the Qurbani is performed through mechanised plants.
From where can Muslims buy animals for Qurbani in the UK?
In the UK, Muslims can buy animals online from different websites. Due to Covid-19, it is impossible for you to make a bond with your animal but you can surely see their sacrifice live. You are able to order your animal once the date of 1st Dhu-al-Hajj is announced.
No matter which website you choose, there are always two options to place your order.
- After placing an order online, the company will send your animal through courier service or you are able to collect it through the drive-thru option. If you choose the drive-thru option then workers will directly put your Qurbani animal directly in your vehicle.
Please note that due to lockdown and Covid-19 people are not allowed to visit abattoirs.
- You can also collect your animal from the nearest butcher. First of all, check that your selective website provides meat supply to any butcher shop near your area. If yes then you can place your order.
I’ll recommend you to order your animal for Qurbani this year from Euro Quality Lambs. They’re one of the best companies in the UK that provides healthy animals.
What is the current rate of Qurbani animals in the UK?
As we all know, people in the UK are only allowed to buy animals from abattoirs and online websites. The rate of Qurbani animals is not fixed in the UK. Online companies make all prices live after the announcement of 1st Dhu-al-Hajj.
Can you witness Qurbani in slaughterhouses?
Yes, you are allowed to witness Qurbani or at least see their animal before sacrificing it. But due to lockdown and Covid-19, no one is allowed to go inside the premises of abattoirs.
Qurbani & Meat Distribution Rules
Qurbani is a must fulfill the obligation for the Muslims and it is only for Allah (SWT). Therefore, it is crucial for all Muslims (even those living in non-Muslim countries) to follow the Qurbani guidelines set by Allah. Below is a brief list of rules and regulations that everyone must follow.
- Muslims can sacrifice their animals on the 10th, 11th, and 12th dates of Dhu-al-Hajj.
- Any Muslim with enough money is bound to offer sacrifice. Muslims who have reached puberty are also bound to perform this Islamic ritual.
- It is crucial for Muslims having wealth above 52.5 Tolas of silver to offer Qurbani and there is no freedom for them.
- Sacrificial animals should fulfill all the scales of health and must reach their adult age.
- There must be three shares of the meat of Qurbani.
According to Islamic Rules, the meat of the sacrificed animal should be divided into poor, family, and friends. It is also in the guideline to save one share of the meat for yourself too. By following British rules and regulations, you can offer this meat in charity that will feed several hungry tummies.
Is It Permissible for Muslims to distribute the meat of Qurbani among Christians or any other Non-Muslim community?
Yes, it is permissible for Muslims to share some portion of Qurbani meat with Christians or other Non-Muslim Communities. But there are some rules to follow
- First of all check and verify that those Non-Muslims are poor and need charity.
- You can also share Qurbani meat with Christians if he is your relative or friend and does not have enough bread to meet his end.
You can also find the reference of giving Qurbani to Non-Muslims in the verse of Quran in which Allah (SWT) said (Interpretation of the meaning)
“Allah does not ask you or forbid you to deal with justice and kindly with people who do not fight with you on religious differences. Allah (SWT) does not ask you to treat people unkindly who do not drive you out of your house. Verily, Allah always is with those who prefer equality.”
[Al Mumtahinah 60:8]
How many shares does an animal of Qurbani hold?
One small animal (such as goat and sheep) is equivalent to one Qurbani. A large animal (such as a cow and camel) holds up seven shares. This means a large animal can be divided equally among seven individuals.
This is all that you should know about Eid-ul-Adha, stay connected with The UK Time for more updates.
