U.S. # 4800
2013 46¢ Eid Greetings
During the last month of the Islamic calendar, millions of Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj, or pilgrimage. Every Muslim who is financially and physically able is required to make the journey to the desert city of Mecca at least once during their lifetime.
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U.S. # 4800
2013 46¢ Eid Greetings
During the last month of the Islamic calendar, millions of Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj, or pilgrimage. Every Muslim who is financially and physically able is required to make the journey to the desert city of Mecca at least once during their lifetime.
The Hajj commemorates the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Abraham and his family. Muslims recall when Abraham was commanded by Allah, the Muslim name for God, to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. An angel stopped Abraham’s hand before he performed the sacrifice, and Allah provided a ram in Ishmael’s place.
The end of the Hajj is marked by Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice. During the festival, Muslims commemorate Abraham’s obedience to God by sacrificing a lamb, goat, or camel. The meat is divided into thirds, with the family keeping part, giving some to relatives and friends, and donating the last portion to the poor so they can enjoy a meal as well.
Eid al-Adha is a joyous celebration where participants express their thankfulness for God’s mercy. Though crowds of people travel to Mecca each year for the Hajj and Eid, many more Muslims express their appreciation to Allah in their local mosques and homes.
Designed by Phil Jordan, the 2013 Eid stamp portrays calligraphy created by Mohamed Zakariya. The writing means Eid Mubarak, which translates to “blessed festival.”
Value: 46¢ 1-ounce first-class letter rate
Issued: August 8, 2013
First Day City: Milwaukee, WI at the American Philatelic Society Stamp Show
Type of Stamp: Commemorative
Printed by: Ashton Potter USA Ltd.
Method: Lithograph printing in sheets of 160 in 8 panes of 20
Perforation: Serpentine Die Cut 11
Self-Adhesive
Quantity Printed: 5,500,000 stamps
The first U.S. stamp to honor the Muslim holidays of Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha was issued in 2001. The 2013 issue was the eighth to commemorate the holiday and features a similar design to the 2011 stamp, except with a different color background.
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