His Excellency, the Cultural Attaché of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Sayyed Jalal Miraghaee, gave an interview to journalist Hana Saada/Al Mayadeen on Eid al-Adha’s traditions in Iran. Eid Al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice or Greater Eid) is an important Islamic religious festival that is observed by Muslims worldwide for its higher dosage of holiness.

This is one of the two Eid festivals celebrated by Muslims, namely Eid Al-Fitr (The Lesser Eid), which marks the end of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, and Eid Al-Adha (The Greater Eid), which marks the end of the Hajj, in which millions of Muslims from around the world make the pilgrimage to Mecca and reflect upon the sacrifice and commitment to Allah made by Prophet Abraham who intended to sacrifice his son in an act of obedience to Allah. It is a celebration of gift giving, charity, and fellowship. It comes about 70 days after Eid Al-Fitr as it starts on the 10th of Thul-Hijja, the twelfth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar, and ends on the 13th.

Muslims differ in the way they prepare for and celebrate Eid Al-Adha. Most people, however, make it an occasion of family unity, service to society, and supporting one another. Today, we will take a look into the traditions of Eid Al-Adha in Iran. 

His Excellency, the Cultural Attaché of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Algeria will shed light on Iranian customs on this day. To this end, you, dear readers, will embark on a special journey of Eid Al-Adha celebrations in Iran.

- First of all, welcome to this interview. It is a pure pleasure meeting you.

• Thank you. It’s really a great honor to be with you today. I’ve been in Algeria for three years, and I am really honored to be the Cultural Attaché of the Islamic Republic of Iran in your country.

- Pure pleasure, your Excellency. We would like to seize the opportunity to extend to Your Excellency, to the Iranian people, and to the Muslims everywhere our warm wishes and special greetings on the auspicious occasion of the blessed Eid Al-Adha. May Allah grant you all health and well-being and bless us with stability and security. Iran, a country of plural identities, civilizational links, and cultural depths is known for past customs that have been practiced for generations to celebrate Eid Al-Adha; how do the brotherly Iranian people get ready for the celebration?

• Well first, again, let me thank you for the opportunity to shed light on Eid Al-Adha customs in Iran.

At the outset, I would like to offer my best wishes with the advent of Eid Al-Adha. So, on behalf of the Iranian people and the Iranian Diplomatic Mission here in Algiers, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to the people of sisterly Algeria, as well as all the Muslims, for a happy Eid Al-Adha and to congratulate all those performing Hajj.

On these auspicious days, millions of Muslims worldwide, including Iranians and Algerians, come together and offer alms to honor Prophet Abraham’s sacrifice. Eid Al-Adha celebrates Muslims’ devotion to Allah Almighty and underscores the importance of sacrifice, family, and compassion toward the less fortunate, not to mention the cardinal values that our great religions share.

I’m delighted to celebrate Eid Al-Adha in Algeria. I’ve been touched by the warm hospitality of our Algerian brothers. This Eid constitutes a fitting moment for us to reflect on our shared values of gratitude, compassion, and generosity that bring us together to work toward a peaceful and prosperous future. Besides, I am very pleased to fulfill my tasks in this country to write down a new chapter on the course of bilateral relations and all-around cooperation, which will bring more prosperity to both sisterly countries and brotherly peoples.

As you know, in recent years, the two countries have deepened their cooperation and exchanges in different fields, including those of commerce and culture, and we can continue to further deepen this relationship. I would also like to express to Algeria and its people my sincerest thanks, appreciation, and gratitude for their hospitality and, politically, for their firm positions of solidarity and support for the just causes in the world, in full harmony with the principles of the glorious November 1st Revolution.

As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Algeria’s independence, I convey to you my warmest congratulations and best wishes, and through you, to the brotherly Algerian people. Sixty years ago, the Algerian people seized their national independence after going through an arduous struggle, writing down a glorious chapter for the liberation movements worldwide. We are proud of you all, as you emerged from a dark phase of colonialism and were committed to the peoples' yearning for peace and freedom all over the world. Glory and eternity be to the brave martyrs. Long live Algeria, free and sovereign.

Once again, I wish the people of Algeria and everyone a happy, healthy, safe, and blessed Eid.

Returning to your question, on the tenth of the month of Thul-Hijjah every year, Muslims all around the globe hit a date with one of the most important religious rituals in Islam. This is Eid Al-Adha (Eid-e-Qorban) or the (Feast of Sacrifice) that is, as I said, determined by a lunar calendar, like other Islamic celebrations. It always starts on the 10th of Thul-Hijjah, the Month of the Pilgrimage. The date is set when the closest new moon is seen. During the feast, Iranians, as all Muslims worldwide, re-enact Ibrahim’s obedience by sacrificing cattle, camels, sheep, and other livestock and offering votive food to the less fortunate and their fellow Muslims. For those who do not know the story of Eid, it is a commemoration of Prophet Abraham’s acceptance of a divine order to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Just before sacrificing him, Allah Almighty sent down upon Prophet Abraham a lamb to sacrifice instead after he successfully passed the divine test.

Eid Al-Adha marks the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage with Muslim pilgrims carrying out the final rites of the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. Hajj is the final of the five pillars of Islam and is what a Muslim has to do at least once in his life "for all who can make the journey” (03:97).

There are a number of age-honored traditions and practices related to Eid Al-Adha. Although there are many similarities among these celebrations in the Muslim world, each country and culture has its own unique traditions and delicious delicacies for the occasion.

Iranian people, who refer to Eid al-Adha as the “Eid-e-Qorban”, start preparations many days before the holiday.

One week before the feast, farmers put their sacrificial animals up for sale, leading to a bustling economic movement. There are additionally seasonal occupations associated with Eid Al-Adha, such as selling sheep’s fodder in the streets and alleys of popular neighborhoods, sharpening knives, and trading charcoal, grills, iron bars, and other Eid supplies.

Sheep can be spotted everywhere, especially in villages where they get crammed in little fenced spaces or herded in some corner of the streets, awaiting their slaughtering. Traditionally, families would take a trip to the countryside seeking a suitable sheep.

Streets become overcrowded; the spirit is quite similar to that of Eid Al-Fitr. People buy new clothes and accessories for themselves, their families, and their religious brothers who are poor and less fortunate. Besides, they prepare sweets to please children. For women, setting up the house to receive guests during Eid and absorb the great atmosphere of this occasion – a tradition for decades – is a must. Before Eid, women take the responsibility of cleaning the house. Some of them go as far as renovating the entire house; refurbishing and painting. Iranian women usually buy new cooking utensils and kitchen sets, which will be used in cooking heavy meals and preparing huge banquets.

Families start counting off the days in anticipation of the arrival of Eid Al-Adha, awaiting the reunification with their loved ones under one roof to create new memories every year!

Solidarity actions are organized in Iran for Eid. They are perpetuated each year, especially in rural areas. This practice consists of the collective purchase of sheep intended for the less fortunate people. A number of affluent individuals and charity organizations in the country remain busy these days helping needy people. They distribute special Eid packages, consisting of new dresses, food items, and medicines to families. Sometimes, they buy sheep for them.

On the eve of Eid, families apply henna to the two horns or forehead of the sacrificial animal, believing that it would be a “good omen”. In some provinces, like for the Iranian Turkmens, children assemble and clutch sheep dressed with colored ribbons, boasting about the sacrifice's beauty and splendor, particularly its massive horns.

Girls also get their hands’ palms decorated with traditional henna designs, especially for Arabs, Turkmen, and other races.

Furthermore, Iranians observe religious practices that include the Sunnah to fast on the first nine days of Thul-Hijjah, especially the Day of Arafat. On this day, a day ahead of Eid Al-Edha, people hold prayers on the campus of the University of Tehran in downtown Tehran, other mosques, and open spaces nationwide.

- How is Eid celebrated in sisterly Iran?

• On the day of Eid, a Muslim is recommended to have a shower before going to the Eid Prayer and wear the best of his or her clothes. This reflects Islam’s care for cleanliness and beauty. A Muslim should be careful regarding his or her appearance, dress, and personal hygiene.

For clothes, some would wear clothes from their culture, while others would pick out something new to wear.

To celebrate Eid Al-Adha, Muslims in Iran go to the mosque, prayer ground, or prayer court to offer special prayers and hear a sermon called a khutbah. Eid prayers are known in Iran as «Namaz Eid». It takes place after Fajr when the sun loses its reddishness. It’s a congregational prayer that consists of two rak’ahs (praying units) followed by a sermon, which is usually given by the Imam. Reciting some verses of the Holy Quran and readings from religious texts are also broadcasted. This year, scores of Iranians attended Eid Al-Adha prayers in mosques and unroofed grounds across the country after the COVID restrictions were lifted to a large extent and the number of new COVID-related deaths was zero. During the pandemic, the Eid prayers, noteworthy, were held with strict adherence to physical distancing and other safety protocols to ward off the spread of COVID-19.

In the capital Tehran, Iranians carry out the congregational feast prayers at Tehran University led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution. Other mass prayers also take place in the capital.

In addition, on the Eid day, Islam mandates a series of community rites for Muslims to undertake. Muslims are recommended to engage in public Takbir or the proclamation of the greatness of God (chants praising Allah) from the dawn of the first day of Eid (10 Thul-Hijja), saying «Allahu Akbar; i.e. Allah (God) is the greatest… Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no deity but Allah, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest and to Allah goes all praise." The Takbir is chanted by Muslims in the masjids (mosques), market-places, and streets … with pilgrims in Mecca also reciting the same.

This ‘ibadah (act of worship) connects Muslims spiritually and spreads mercy, peace of mind, tranquility, and happiness. After the prayer, Iranians exchange greetings saying, “Taaat Koboul”; “May Allah accept your good deeds." Others prefer the Arabic greeting ‘Eid Mubarak‘. The Arabic word “mubarak” is translated as “blessed", while “Eid” means feast, festival, or celebration, so “Eid Mubarak” can literally mean “blessed celebration” or “blessed feast”, although it is widely interpreted as simply wishing somebody a “happy Eid”.

After the prayer, comes the ritual of sacrificing the animal. This latter has certain criteria, regarding the age, health condition, and ownership of the animal. The sacrificial animal should be healthy and free of defects and be more than one year old. Besides, it should be slaughtered in the direction of the Qibla.

As the sacrifice is being made, participants recite the name of Allah along with an offering statement and supplication to Allah. The slaughterer says ‘Allahu Akbar’ or “Allah is the Greatest”. This means that I have not assaulted this animal, but I am slaughtering it in the name of Allah – according to the rituals.

Later, Iranians feast on the meat of livestock animals that have been sacrificed. The family will eat about a third of the meal, a third goes to friends and relatives, and the remaining third is donated to the poor and needy people.

The division of the Udhiyyah «sacrifice» into three shares or thirds is another brilliant example that shows how deep the Adha day plants love and care in the Muslims’ hearts for family, relatives, and society as a whole. The giving of charity in the form of money, food, or clothes to the homeless or poor is another key tradition of Eid Al-Adha, making it a threefold blessing and care.

On this day, on a yearly basis, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution delivers a speech, tackling the latest developments and calling for Muslim unity with an emphasis placed on the Palestinian cause. As for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, he forwarded, this year like every year, a message to the leaders of the Muslim world, in which he called for growing unity, rapport, and solidarity among the Muslims across the world. President Raisi said in the congratulatory message, “Eid al-Adha is the sincerest manifestation of worship, a symbol of sacrifice and submission in the presence of God, and the day of Prophet Abraham’s (PBUH) pride in the divine test, acceptance of obedience, and being chosen as the leader and role model for believers." The Iranian President also expressed hope that with the blessing of this auspicious festival, the hearts of believers would become closer to each other under the banner of the teachings of Islam and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and all the Muslims around the world would step in the path of unity and take steps for solidarity in order to increase honor and pride of the Islamic community in all international stages. 

Back to the celebrations, other priorities also fall into place; namely, family reunions as family members and friends pay visits to each other to share the mouthwatering meat banquet. Children, for their part, seize the opportunity to show off their new Eid outfits and spend their entire Eid allowances, i.e. Eideyas, on buying sweets. In some provinces, families visit the deceased at the cemeteries and offer meat and food to the poor and needy for the sake of their beloved deceased. Some Iranians sacrifice their sheep at the houses of their beloved deceased with a view to offer them «Ajr» or heavenly reward.

Iranians in disputes will ask each other for forgiveness if they did something wrong to one another. 

Since Eid is a national holiday in Iran, many Iranians flock to common holiday spots in the country, such as the Caspian Sea, and enjoy an extended period of relaxation.

- What are the must-try Eid Al-Adha dishes and sweets in Iran?

• Eid Al-Adha is known as the ‘salty Eid’ for food, as a larger variety of its dishes are savory and include of beef or mutton, depending on what animal has been slaughtered. The meat is used to make various kebabs and haleem; a stew made of wheat or barley with meat. Alongside the meat-based dishes, Iranians eat baghali, rice with fava, broad beans, and dill. In short, luxurious and scrumptious dishes are cooked on this day and served to guests and visiting family members. They are usually served with delicious desserts and beverages prepared especially for the day.

To detail, “Kaleh Pacheh” is basically the head, legs, brain, tongue, and the meat of a sheep’s face. This food is very popular among most Iranians, and they usually eat it for breakfast.

Another popular dish, especially on this day, is barbecued heart, kidney, and liver of sheep. Sometimes people fry it with a lot of onion and spices as well.

Sirab Shirdoon is also another traditional dish made of sheep’s tripe, some grains, garlic, and spices.

To wrap up, all Muslims celebrate Eid in full swing, marking it by shopping sprees, special congregational prayers, sacrificing animals, family reunions, and splendid feasts and charities. With such a wide range of unique celebrations, the core of Eid, irrespective of the differences in customs, is to reflect on the values of sacrifice, service, compassion, charity, and helping those less fortunate.

The commemorative events stir the spirit of sacrifice in every Muslim’s consciousness. Eid Al-Adha creates an atmosphere of joy, happiness, and jubilation, and it is an occasion for the hearts to rejoice and for the families to reunite and share nice moments. It is an occasion for Muslims to help the poor and to create more solidarity among the people. A number of affluent individuals and charity organizations remain busy helping needy people. Good deeds and good moments are the pure goals of this occasion.

In addition to the jubilation that Eid brings to the Muslims, this occasion carries a great spiritual, social, and economic benefit for the Islamic community. On the spiritual level, Eid showcases one's belief and trust in God, and the Muslim earns the rewards of the prayer, praising Allah “Takbir and Tasbih”, and offering livestock sacrifices. On the social level, the relationships between the Muslims are further strengthened due to the gatherings and exchange of visits and gifts. As for the economic level, the markets witness shopping sprees, hence, bustling economic movement. Eid Al-Adha always sees people splurging money on new dresses, gifts, and especially sacrificial animals.

- Your Excellency, the Cultural Attaché of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, thank you so much, indeed, for your time, and my thanks are also due to our readers.

• You are most welcome. I would like to say that the message of Islam is that of peace to all, regardless of their religions, and we hope for stability, prosperity, and security for all people across the globe. Hajj and Eid Mubarak!