Eid al-Adha Ends and Completion of Hajj Pilgrimage on August 15, 2019

Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” concluded on August 15, 2019, in several countries, marking the end of a significant period for Muslims worldwide. This major Islamic holiday, celebrated annually, coincides with the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage — one of the five pillars of Islam.

Context and Significance

Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham in Judeo-Christian texts) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. According to Islamic tradition, God intervened to replace his son with a ram, sparing his life. This event is honored through the ritual of Qurbani, wherein those who can afford to do so sacrifice an animal, usually a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. The meat is then divided among family, friends, and the needy.

The end of Eid al-Adha therefore comes as a religious and cultural closure to the period of festivity, prayer, and reflection. It often involves community gatherings, festive meals, and acts of charity.

Completion of Hajj

The Hajj pilgrimage, which every able-bodied Muslim is required to undertake once in their lifetime if financially feasible, concludes alongside Eid al-Adha. In 2019, the Hajj began on August 9 and culminated on August 14. Pilgrims performed a series of rituals including Tawaf, the circling of the Kaaba; Sa’i, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah; and the symbolic stoning of the devil at Mina.

Cultural and Social Impact

The conclusion of Eid al-Adha, particularly in 2019, involved millions of Muslims around the globe. In addition to religious worship, the holiday fostered community spirit and support for the less fortunate, as significant portions of the meat from Qurbani are distributed to those in need.

Eid al-Adha’s end also means pilgrims returning home, carrying with them profound spiritual experiences and a reinforced sense of unity and global brotherhood. For many communities, festivities included public prayers, fairs, and gatherings that extend beyond personal homes to public spaces, reinforcing communal bonds.

Aftermath and Continuing Significance

The end of Eid al-Adha in 2019, as in preceding years, left a lasting imprint on both local communities and on a global scale, reflecting Islam’s emphasis on faith, charity, and community. The rituals and reflections from both the Eid and the Hajj continue to inspire devotion and commitment within the global Muslim community year after year.