Feast of the Sacrifice

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Lesson Transcript

Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Kenya Series at SwahiliPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Kenyan holidays and observances. I’m Eric, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 19. Feast of the Sacrifice. In Swahili, it’s called Sikukuu ya Eid al-Adha.

The Feast of the Sacrifice is a special day celebrated by Muslims on October 15, or on the tenth day of the Islamic calendar.

This lesson will highlight how Muslims in Kenya celebrate the Feast of the Sacrifice.

Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-

Why is this day referred to as the Feast of the Sacrifice?

If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening.

Muslims take the Feast of the Sacrifice as an opportunity for a second chance to absolve themselves of their sins and live a morally upright life. This day comes at the end of Hajj, and requires that believers engage in certain acts of purification, or utakaso. Many Muslims consciously imitate the example of Prophet Abraham, trying to live a life of obedience and sacrifice according to the teachings of the Koran.

In celebration of this day, Muslims often buy new clothes and visit friends and relatives. At dawn, they recite the Takbir, a declaration of their faith. Later, they join in communal prayer, called Salat al-Eid, before sunrise, which in Swahili is kupaa kwa jua. Believers greet their colleagues with Arabic salutations, called maamkizi ya kiarabu in Swahili, thereby wishing them luck.

Slaughtering animals, or kuchinja wanyama, is also a very important tradition associated with this day. Some families slaughter cattle, goats, sheep and camels, or other animals that can be eaten later. While they keep a small part of the meat themselves, they make sure to give the rest to relatives, friends, and the poor. Those who are not able to slaughter animals themselves may buy meat from Halal butchers, or bucha ya Halal.

Now it's time to answer our quiz question-

Why is this day referred to as the Feast of the Sacrifice?

This day commemorates Abraham's obedience to God for agreeing to sacrifice his son Isaac. However, just before he was about to perform the deed God stopped Abraham, impressed with his obedience, and gave him a sheep, or kondoo, to sacrifice instead.