Eid al-Adha
Eid-ul-Adha emphasises the spirit of generosity and charity, where Muslims are encouraged to extend their support to those in need by providing food, clothing, or financial assistance, while the act of sharing the sacrificial meat with the less fortunate fosters a sense of compassion and solidarity, reminding individuals of their responsibility to care for the vulnerable members of society.
When asked about the origin of Eid al-Adha, The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, is reported to have said, “It is a tradition that has come down to us from Abraham.”
How do Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha?
On the morning of Eid, Muslims rejoice and go to perform the Eid prayer in the morning, which is held in large mosques and wide squares. To accommodate the largest number of Muslims gathered for the Eid prayer.
Muslims exchange congratulations on the day of Eid and are required to repeat the Eid takbeers. After performing the Eid prayer, Muslims go to slaughter the sacrifice that they have prepared for this blessed day, and the sacrifice is divided into three parts. Celebrating the feast, the last third is distributed to the family, friends, and relatives, even if they are able and not poor.
Muslims exchange visits and congratulations on the blessed Eid, and it continues to be celebrated for four consecutive days.
Many Muslims also visit the graves of their departed loved ones, offering prayers and seeking blessings for the deceased.
When do we celebrate Eid el Adha?
The tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah is the first day of Eid al-Adha. Muslims, pilgrims, and non-pilgrims in all parts of the world celebrate Eid al-Adha on this day.
Eid al-Adha lasts for four days, ending on the thirteenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Why was Eid al-Adha called by this name?
Eid al-Adha was called a slave to return and repeat it, and it was said because it returns every year with renewed joy. So that they may rejoice in the worship that He guided them to in the previous ten days of the month, such as fasting on the days of Arafah, Takbeer, and Tahleel, giving charity, and other acts of worship.
And on the blessed Eid Al-Adha, the greatest and greatest obligation is held, which is the Hajj. Hajj is an essential pillar of Islam; it is the fifth pillar, and the day of Arafah comes before it. Where Muslims stand on Mount Arafat to perform the main pillar of Hajj and celebrate the day that follows the blessed Eid al-Adha, the rituals of Hajj continue until the twelfth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the third day of the blessed Eid al-Adha.
The sacrifice of Eid el-Adha
The Feast of Sacrifice dates from the historic event when Prophet Abraham was commanded by God, in the form of a dream vision, to sacrifice his son, Ishmail. But while he was in the act of sacrificing his son, God sent the Angel Gabriel with a huge ram. Gabriel informed Abraham that his dream vision was fulfilled and instructed him to sacrifice the ram as a ransom for his son. The story is mentioned in Chapter 37 of the Holy Qur’an.
The central ritual of Eid-ul-Adha involves the sacrifice of an animal, typically a sheep, goat, cow, or camel. This act symbolises Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his beloved son and serves as a reminder of the importance of selflessness and obedience in the face of adversity.
The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the less fortunate, ensuring that the act of sacrifice extends beyond the individual or family to benefit the wider community.