Eid-el-Kabir, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the two major Islamic festivals celebrated yearly by Muslims across the world.

The festival is held in honour of Prophet Ibrahim, who showed his obedience to Allah by agreeing to sacrifice his son before God provided a ram as a substitute.

This year’s celebration is expected to begin with the Eid prayer, followed by animal slaughter and the distribution of meat among family, neighbours, and the poor.

Below are six key facts about Eid-el-Kabir:

1. It is also known as Eid al-Adha
The name means ‘Festival of the Sacrifice’ in Arabic and reflects the core of the celebration.

2. It comes after the Hajj pilgrimage
Eid-el-Kabir is observed after the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. While not everyone goes for Hajj, all Muslims are expected to mark the day.

3. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s loyalty
The festival marks the moment when Prophet Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his son, but was stopped by Allah and given a ram instead.

4. The day starts with prayers and merriment
Muslims begin the day with the Eid prayer. After that, families visit one another, exchange gifts, and celebrate.

5. The meat is divided into three parts
One portion is kept by the family, the second is given to friends and neighbours, while the third part is shared with the poor and those in need.

6. It is popularly called ‘Ileya’ in Nigeria
Among the Yoruba people, the celebration is known as ‘Ileya’, meaning ‘going home’, as many travel to be with their families.

Muslims celebrate two Eids every year, Eid-el-Fitr, which comes after Ramadan, and Eid-el-Kabir, which comes after Hajj.

During Eid-el-Kabir, those who cannot afford animals to slaughter are encouraged to contribute through mosques or charity groups, which help ensure that meat reaches those in need.