Yushau Sodiq, an associate professor of religion, said the holiday, which lasts three days, occurs at the end of the Islamic calendar after the hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca. Sodiq said Eid celebrates Abraham's submission to God when he was called to sacrifice his son Ishmael. He said Muslims sacrifice an animal on this day, because God provided an animal to be sacrificed in place of Ishmael. Fahad Khan, a senior neuroscience major, said he is unhappy that he has to attend classes during the holiday. Sodiq said that during the holiday, friends visit in each other's homes, children receive gifts and families spend time together.
Many people abroad go back home to see their families.
He said this year, the holiday will be like a normal school day for him, and he will celebrate with friends instead of with his family. But you can't help it because of circumstances being what they are. Since he cannot be with his family for the holiday, Ul-Islam said he plans to celebrate by meeting with friends around campus and attending a party hosted by the Muslim Student Association. Khan said last year, the holiday fell during Spring Break, so students did not have to miss classes. He said one of the most valuable aspects of the holiday is being able to spend time with friends and family and reminisce.