Eid ul-Adha 2022 events in Birmingham: when is Eid, and activities near me to celebrate Islamic holiday?

The Islamic celebration of Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated by Muslims around the world later this month, with many in Birmingham set to take part.

Ahead of the celebration, here’s all you need to know about what Eid-ul-Adha is, when it is, and if there are any events taking place in Birmingham to mark the occasion.

When is Eid-ul-Adha 2022?

The celebration in 2022 is due to take place on 9 July 2022 and lasts four days, meaning it would come to an end at sunset on 13 July.

What is Eid-ul-Adha?

In Islam, there are two Eid celebrations. The first of these, Eid-ul-Fitr, takes place at the end of Ramadan in May.

Eid-ul-Adha is the second of these, and is known as the Greater Eid.

This Greater Eid, as described by charity Muslim Aid, follows the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, at the time of Qurbani (sacrifice).

The charity gives a detailed explanation of what Eid-ul-Adha is.

A spokesperson said: “Although Eid-ul-Adha has no direct relation to the Hajj Pilgrimage, it is but a day after the completion of Hajj and therefore has significance in time.

“The day of Eid-ul-Adha falls on the tenth day in the final (twelfth) month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar; Dhu-al-Hijjah.

“The day that celebrations fall on is dependent on a legitimate sighting of the moon, following the completion of the annual Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj -  which is an obligation for all Muslim’s who fit specific criteria, one of the important Five Pillars of Islam.

“The celebration of Eid-ul-Adha is to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah SWT and his readiness to sacrifice his son, Ismail. At the very point of sacrifice, Allah SWT replaced Ismail with a ram, which was to be slaughtered in place of his son.

“This command from Allah SWT was a test of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness and commitment to obey his Lord’s command, without question. Therefore, Eid-ul-Adha means the festival of sacrifice.”

How do Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha?

Traditionally, the day is spent celebrating with family, friends and loved ones, often wearing new or best attire and the giving of gifts.

Which events are taking place in Birmingham?

Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre, one of the biggest of its kind in Europe, has announced plans for its Eid ul Adha 2022 gathering.

Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC), in Birmingham, which organises the city’s big public Eid celebrations, has confirmed it will hold a gathering for Eid ul Adha 2022.

It said it expected Eid ul Adha 2022 to fall either on Friday, July 8, or Saturday, July 9, depending on a verified moon sighting, and would be holding an Eid event on one of those days, at Small Heath Park.

Worshippers are asked to arrive at 8.45am at the site. Parking will be available at Small Heath Park, using the entrance on Waverley Road, and at St Andrew’s Stadium, Birmingham City Football Club, where there will be regular shuttle buses to take people to the park.

For the latest information on the gathering, visit the Green Lane Masjid website.