Dhul-Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered one of the holiest months in Islam.

Hajj occurs during the first 13 days of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th or last month of the Islamic (lunar) Calendar with the rituals starting primarily on the 8th day of Dhul-Hijjah.

Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage, performed annually by Muslims, to Masjid al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque erected by Prophet Abraham) in Mecca. It is the 5th pillar of Islam and is expected to be completed once in a Muslim’s lifetime.

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

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.

The following is obligatory according to the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh):

1. Attend the Eid prayer

2. If you can afford it, the Qurbani/Udhiyah/Zabiha (i.e. the halal sacrifice of either a sheep, lamb, goat, cow, bull or camel):

1. To NOT eating anything before the prayer

2. Shower and wear your best clothing

3. Apply fragrance (light fragrance for women)

4. Say the takbeerat

5. Any extra good deeds and acts of worship

Qurbani is an annual sacrifice of an animal offered to Allah during the days of Eid al-Adha, marking the completion of Hajj.

1. It is strongly encouraged that the one who intends to give the Qurbani does not cut their hair or nails, starting from the first day of Dhul-Hijjah up until after the sacrifice.

2. A sheep or goat must be at least one year old, while a cow or bull must be two.

3. The animal being sacrificed must be healthy (e.g. not sick or injured and free of disease)

4. The blade must be sharpened and a blade made for slaughtering.

5. The animal must be sacrificed according to Islam's halal standards (e.g. the animal must be alive before slaughtering; separating the animals; cutting the neck properly, in one swipe, and by hand; invoking Allah's name over it)

6. The majority of the scholars agree that the Qurbani is to be done and paid where you currently live first, then abroad if you wish.

Yes, women can attend the masjid. However, if she is on her menses, she should separate herself from the praying women.

Al-Bukhaari (324) and Muslim (890) narrated that Umm ‘Atiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) commanded us to bring them (women) out on (Eid) al-Fitr and (Eid) al-Adha, and to bring out adolescent girls, menstruating women and virgins, but the menstruating women were to stay away from the prayer, but were to witness goodness and the gathering of the Muslims.