During this period of abstinence, after fasting from dawn to dusk, the fast is broken with a drink of water and three dates followed by a light meal. After 29 days, the fast is broken with the first sighting of the next new moon. And this is the id al Fir or the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. During the period there are three joyous days of celebration when Muslims will enjoy an abundance of the most festive foods including lambs and goats.

In reviewing your culling program, older goats and sheep often command exceptionally high prices during this period and it is certainly the time to clean out your older thinner animals.

Most desired lambs are between 60 and 80 pounds live weight. The most desired goat is usually a young animal weighing between 50 and 70 pounds. Either animal is usually acceptable and male animals are preferred. It is also important that the animals be “without blemish.”

Thus, there is always some confusion as to exactly when the holidays will absolutely occur. Sometimes the sightings are as much as two days off and occasionally Muslims have had to return to fasting for a day or two after they thought Ramadan was over.

Animals for use during these holidays are generally purchased and shipped about 7 to 10 days prior to the holiday. Considering that there are more than 14 million Muslims residing in the U.S. who observe these holy days, there is a significant marketing opportunity for lambs and goats, not only during these special days, but throughout the whole year.

Two other days of importance in the Islamic calendar are Nawlid, celebrated in honor of Mohammed’s birthday, and Ashore, a remembrance of the Martyrdom of Mohammed’s grandsons. For additional or future dates, producers may contact Dar’adh-Dhikr Mosque, 4312 Rosedale Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814.

The term “Halal” is the religious term used to describe food that is “lawful to eat” according to the laws of Islam. Halal slaughter is very similar to kosher (Jewish) slaughter. By USDA standards both are considered religious or ritual slaughter and are exempt from USDA’s humane slaughter laws. This is not because they are inhumane since Halal slaughter requires that an animal be humanely treated on the way to slaughter. During the killing process, the animal’s head is turned toward Mecca and a prayer is spoken. A very sharp knife is used and the carcass is completely bled out. In addition, there must be no contact with any pork. In Halal slaughterhouses, pork is never killed with the same instrument or in the same areas as lamb, goat or beef. In fact, a truly Halal slaughter house never kills any pork at all.

Mawlid al Nabi
Birth of the Prophet

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