Tabaski Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about Senegal

Tabaski, which is celebrated from June 28 to July 2 this year, is the variant of Eid-Al-Adha native to the Wolof people of Senegal and a few other African nations, such as Mali. Senegal observes a national public holiday to commemorate Eid-Al-Adha, which is a commemoration of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.

The background of Tabaski Day

Tabaski is merely the Wolof term for the second-largest Muslim holiday, Eid-Al-Adha. The holiday originated from Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice Ismail, the son of his concubine Hajira, out of obedience to Allah. There are reports that Ibrahim had numerous visions prior to sacrificing his son, but he ultimately obeyed Allah’s command because he had faith in the Almighty.

During Ibrahim’s preparations to murder Ismail, the demon (known in the Arab world as ‘Shaytaan’) tempted Ibrahim and his family in an effort to dissuade them from carrying out Allah’s command and risking losing the favour from which Ibrahim had benefited. In response to these solicitations, Ibrahim threw pebbles at Satan to drive him away. This act of Ibrahim stoning the devil during his temptations is depicted in Hajj rituals, which involve throwing stones at pillars that allegedly represent Satan.

After ultimately deciding to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, Ibrahim took Ismail, gathered supplies, and proceeded to the proposed location for the sacrifice. Allah honoured both Ibrahim and Ismail after observing Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son and provided a lamb for Ibrahim to sacrifice instead. Therefore, the commemoration of Eid al-Adha commemorates both Ibrahim’s devotion and Ismail’s survival.

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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SENEGAL

Despite Senegal being a predominantly Muslim nation, Leopold Senghor, the nation’s first president, was a Catholic.

Senegal is the location of the Dakar Rally, an annual rally assault organised by Amaury Sports.

In light of the political history of the majority of West African nations, Senegal has never experienced a coup d’état.

Due to the abundance of goats and sheep in Senegal, there is no cause for concern when commemorating Tabaski.

Lac Retba, also referred to as the Pink Lake, is located in Senegal.

TABASKI DAY DATES