Al Eid Al 'Oud Prayer - Ministry of Culture

Element Name

Al Eid Al ‘Oud Prayer

Other Names

Eid Al Adha Prayer, Greater Eid Prayer

Practice Environment

All environments

Practice Location

All Emirates of the UAE

Scope of Practice

All segments of society

Heritage Domain/ Category

Social Practices and Festive Events

Element Type/ Subcategory

Celebrations and religious events

Current Status

Living heritage

Al Eid Al ‘Oud Prayer

The Eid Al Oud prayer in the UAE is a religious observance deeply rooted in Islamic heritage and inherited since the time of the Prophet. The two Eid prayers are an emphasized Sunnah associated with celebrating Eid Al Adha and honouring its religious rites. The prayer is held on the morning of the tenth of Dhu Al Hijjah, when people go from the early hours of dawn to prayer grounds and mosques to perform it in congregation amid a spiritual atmosphere filled with takbir and the exchange of Eid greetings. The occasion is associated with tangible and symbolic elements reflecting religious identity and social harmony in Emirati society, including large prayer grounds, carpets, new clothing and modern loudspeakers used to accommodate large congregations. The Eid prayer embodies values of gathering, affection and social communication and is among the most prominent religious and social expressions associated with Eid Al Adha in the UAE.

Criteria Applicable to Nominate Element

01

Presence in Collective Memory and Intergenerational Cohesion: A cultural element is considered deeply rooted when it is held in the collective memory of the community and forms part of their daily experiences, occasions, and social relationships. It also contributes to strengthening the bonds of interaction between different generations, as it is transmitted from elders to younger members, providing a space for celebration and communal participation, thereby creating a sense of belonging and continuity.

02

Geographical or Cultural Specificity: The element is characterized by its association with a specific geographic area or cultural group within the country, giving it a unique identity that distinguishes it from other practices. This element represents part of the social and cultural history of the community, enhancing its value as a distinctive component of local or national identity.

03

Continuity and Intergenerational Transmission: The element is passed from one generation to the next, either orally through stories, songs, and narratives, or practically through training and hands-on practice. This living process ensures the element’s survival and development over time, while maintaining its connection to its cultural roots.

04

Preserving the Element within the Living Community Context: The element derives its value from being actively practiced in people’s daily lives or within their rituals and social occasions. Preserving the element does not mean freezing it in time, but rather supporting it to continue in its original environment, while respecting its natural evolution within the community context.

05

Local Artistic or Technical Creativity: The element embodies creativity that originated from the local environment, whether in the materials used, methods of performance, or design patterns. This creativity may have developed collectively, reflecting how people interact with their surroundings and respond to their needs in an innovative way that expresses collective intelligence.