Eid by bike - celebrate the Muslim festival by donating food

By Julie Rand
Friday, 24 July 2020
Most of us know all about celebrating traditional festivals such as Christmas, Easter and Father's Day but as Cycling UK's membership and volunteer network diversify, we're looking at celebratory days from other cultures and customs.

Earlier this month, we talked about the Buddhist festival of Dharma Day which took place on Sunday 5 July, the day of the full moon, and marks the beginning of Bhudda's teachings - we encouraged cyclists to visit places of quiet contemplation to mark the occasion. 

Now, we are looking forward to Eid al-Adha, which is considered the holier of the two Islamic festivals of Eid, and this year begins on Friday 31 July and continues until the evening of Sunday 2 August. It will be celebrated by the UK's 2.6 million Muslims. Eid al-Adha falls on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, which is determined by the lunar cycle so moves forward every year to coincide with when the new moon is first visible, making it hard to predict in the Gregorian calendar.

What is Eid?

The first festival, Eid al-Fitr, took place on 23-34 May and marked the end of Ramadan, the Muslim season of fasting. Eid al-Adha on the other hand marks the occasion when the prophet Ibrahim (known to Christians as Abraham) offered his son in sacrifice to God before Allah provided a lamb to be sacrificed in his place instead. Traditionally, an animal is sacrificed and divided between the poor and immediate family and relations. Some people give money instead to charity to enable poorer families to enjoy a feast. There is also often an exchange of gifts and food is shared between family and friends. 

How will it be celebrated?

Volunteering for Cycling UK Local groups and cycling clubs

Further reading