Eid-ul-Adha

A Celebration of Faith, Sacrifice, and Community

The “Festival of Sacrifice,” Eid-ul-Adha is one of the two major festivals of the Islamic faith celebrated by Muslims across the world. It is the end of Hajj (the holy pilgrimage to Mecca), and it celebrates the unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his readiness to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) in compliance with the order of Allah.

This article navigates the religious significance, history and traditions of Eid-ul-Adha and explains the way Muslims celebrate this day.

Eid-ul-Adha - A religious history

The significance of Eid-ul-Adha comes from the story of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his trial of faith, as mentioned in the Quran (Surah As-Saffat, 37:102-107).

The Story of Sacrifice

Allah ordered the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in a dream to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS), whom he loved very much. It was a heartbreaking task, but the father and the son happily surrendered to the will of Allah. At the time of sacrifice, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, it was the provision of Allah to make the act of worship accepted.

The aim of this event is for man to be completely surrendered to Allah, and it serves to remind man that his surrender to God in Islam is not sequential, but total.

Significance of Eid-ul-Adha

Eid-ul-Adha is itself a spiritual and a community event:

Celebrating the Faith of Prophet Ibrahim– Muslims ponder on sacrifice and obedience to Allah.

The conclusion of Hajj- The celebration takes place on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, with references to the completion of Hajj. Charity and Generosity – Qurbani (sacrifice) dictates that meat is shared with family members, friends, and those less fortunate.

Sunnah and Aadaab of Eid  Eid-ul-Adha Norms Celebrations Behaviour of Eid-ul-Adha

Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated by Muslims through prayers and a communal feast.

The Eid Prayer (Salat al-Eid)

Muslims pray in mosques or open spaces during a special congregational prayer in the morning. The prayer is made up of two rak’ahs with multiple Takbirs. A sermon, or khutbah, follows, focusing on the lessons of sacrifice and unity.

Qurbani (Sacrifice) of an Animal

Those who can afford it slaughter a halal animal (known as a goat, sheep, cow, or camel). The meat is divided into three portions: one is for the household, partially consumed; the second part is divvied up with relatives/friends; And the last part is distributed to the poor.It is also a way of promoting social welfare and spreading blessings.

Festive Meals and Gatherings

They specially prepare dishes from the sacrificial meat for this occasion. New or clean clothes are worn,  gifts exchanged, and visits are made to relatives. Charitable deeds like feeding the needy are widely recommended.

Takbeerat and Dhikr

Muslims recite the Takbeer from 9th Dhul-Hijjah to 13th Dhul-Hijjah:

The Takbir translates as “God is the greatest, God is the greatest, there is no deity but God, God is the greatest, God is the greatest, and to God goes all praise.” This is a glorification of Allah and a means of bringing a spiritual atmosphere.

Conclusion

Eid-ul-Adha is not only a feast, but a proof of faith, sacrifice, and care for humanity. Through the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and practice of Qurbani, Muslims forge a link with Allah and their Ummah. With prayer and festivities spread through families, Eid-ul-Adha is celebration of sharing and remembering the less fortunate and a renewal of one’s commitment to faith and obedience.

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