The Sultanate of Oman along with Muslims around the world is getting ready to celebrate Eid al Adha, also known as the 'Festival of Sacrifice.'
In Oman, Eid al Adha is typically celebrated over a period of four days. As per tradition, it is the Islamic Lunar calendar determined by the sighting of the moon that declares the day of celebration.
Many families would be eagerly following up with the family members and relatives who are performing the Haj rituals in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.
During Eid al Adha, Muslims commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God.
It is customary to participate in the ritual sacrifice of an animal, typically a sheep, cow or a goat and sometimes a camel, to symbolise Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. The meat from the sacrificed animal is then distributed to family members, friends, neighbours and the needy.
In Oman, there are strict guidelines to be followed while sacrificing the animals and the public is advised to use municipality slaughterhouses.
Eid day begins with the communal Eid prayer followed by the sacrifice. In Oman, it is common for families to gather together, exchange gifts, and share traditional meals during Eid al Adha.
The first food eaten on Eid al Adha is Arsiya, consisting of pounded rice, meat and spices. Traditional ghee is also added.
One must wear new clothes on Eid al Adha and an important feature of the festival is visiting each other.
The Omani delicacies for Eid al Adha are distinct and it includes Arsiya, Mishakeek skewered meat grilled over charcoal and Shuwa.
The best of Omani Halwa and Omani Kahwa will welcome family members and guests to the houses. Elders are visited and everyone goes back to family homes to enjoy the feast together.
On the first day or in some places it could be the second day of the Eid the dish much relished and cooked is Shuwa which as the word suggests is done underground grill. And the other dish that is popular is Mishakeek, a traditional barbecue.
While everyone is dressed in new clothes, women and girls have their henna done on their hands.
The festivities and joy has a special significance for the children as they eagerly wait for their Eidiya — money as gifts, which makes the last working day before the Eid holidays busy at the banks as people like to give fresh notes as Eid money to children.
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