Eid ul-Adha is celebrated annually on the 10th day of the 12th and the last Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah of the lunar Islamic calendar. Eid ul-Adha celebrations start after the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide, descend from Mount Arafat. The date is approximately 70 days (2 Months & 10 days) after the end of the month of Ramadan. Ritual observance of the holiday lasts until sunset of the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
What does Eid al-Adha
commemorate? »
During
the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the
Prophet Abraham. The Qur'an describes Abraham as follows:
"Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121)
One of Abraham's main trials was to face the command of Allah to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah's will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord super ceded all others that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.
"Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121)
One of Abraham's main trials was to face the command of Allah to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah's will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord super ceded all others that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.
Why do Muslims sacrifice
an animal on this day? »
During
the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's
trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat.
This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.
Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.
The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.
It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37)
The symbolism is in the attitude - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah's commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.
Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.
The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.
It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37)
The symbolism is in the attitude - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah's commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.
What else do Muslims do to
celebrate the holiday? »
On
the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning
prayers at their local mosques. Prayers are followed by visits with family and
friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts. At some point, members of the
family will visit a local farm or otherwise will make arrangements for the
slaughter of an animal. The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday
or shortly thereafter.
General rituals and
Tradition »
Men,
women, and children are expected to dress in their finest clothing to perform
Eid prayer in a large congregation is an open waqf field called Eidgah or
mosque. Those Muslims who can afford, i.e Malik-e-Nisaab; sacrifice their best
domestic animals (usually cow, but also camels, sheep, ram, and goats) as a
symbol of Abraham's sacrifice. The sacrificed animals, called uḍiyyah (in
Arabic), have to meet certain age and quality standards or else the animal is
considered an unacceptable sacrifice. Generally, sacrificial animals must be at
least one year of age.
The regular charitable practices of the Muslim community are demonstrated during Eid al-Adha by the concerted effort to see that no impoverished person is left without sacrificial food during these days.
During Eid al-Adha, distributing meat amongst the people, chanting Takbir out loud before the Eid prayer on the first day, and after prayers throughout the three days of Eid are considered essential parts of the festival. In some countries, families that do not own livestock can make a contribution to a charity that will provide meat to those who are in need.
The regular charitable practices of the Muslim community are demonstrated during Eid al-Adha by the concerted effort to see that no impoverished person is left without sacrificial food during these days.
During Eid al-Adha, distributing meat amongst the people, chanting Takbir out loud before the Eid prayer on the first day, and after prayers throughout the three days of Eid are considered essential parts of the festival. In some countries, families that do not own livestock can make a contribution to a charity that will provide meat to those who are in need.
Desirable actions to be done on the Day of Eid »
1) In Eid Al-Adha (Eid of the hajj), based on the sunnah,
one does not eat until they sacrifice, unlike Eid Al-Fitr (Eid of Ramadan).
2) Bathing and wearing one’s best attire before going to
the Eid prayer.
The Prophet Sallah allahu alieh wasalam had a special
garment that he wore for the performance of the Jummah and Eid prayers.
3) Walking to the masjid rather than riding (if the
masjid is of walking distance and does not burden or create a hardship).
4) It is from the sunnah to go back to one’s house
walking from a different route than that which was taken to get there.
Some scholars explain this as a way to meet and greet
more people.
5) To say takbeer out loud because it is one of the
symbols of that day.
The takbeer is said on the morning of Eid and continues
on throughout until the Adhan is called. Worshippers join in on the takbeer
uttered by the imam during the khutbah.
6) One of the most common forms of takbeer used by the
Prophet sallah allahu alieh wasalam and sahabah was:
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilah Ila Allah, Wallahu
Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wallilahi Elhamd
(Allah is great, Allah is great. There is no god but
Allah. Allah is great, Allah is great. And all praises are for Allah).
7) Performing the Eid prayer before the khutbah is from
the sunnah.
8) After the completion of the khutbah, Muslims should
greet each other.
A common statement of greeting among the sahabah radia
allah anhum was:
Taqabulla Mina Wamink
(Means: May Allah accept from us and you)
9) Those in charge should try to make the Eid prayer
outside in an open area unless there is a reason barring them from this. It was
the consistent pattern of the Prophet sallah allahu alieh wasalam to perform
all Eid prayers out in the open.
Salat al-Eid »
Salat al-Eid is Wajib (strongly
recommended, just short of obligatory). It consists of two Raka'ah (units) with
six additional Takbirs. It must be offered in congregation. The Salat is
followed by the Khutbah. The Khutbah is part of the worship and listening to it
is Wajib. During the Khutbah, the Imam reminds the community about its
responsibilities and obligations towards Allah, fellow Muslims and the fellow
human beings. The Imam encourages the Muslims to do well and ward off evil. The
feelings of sacrifice and struggle for Allah are aroused in the community.
At the conclusion of the Salaat the Muslims convey greetings to each other (Eid Mubarak) give reasonable gifts (Eidi) to the youngsters and visit each other at their homes. Muslims also take this opportunity to invite their non-Muslims neighbors, co-workers, classmates and business acquaintances to Eid festivities to expose them to Islam and Muslim culture
At the conclusion of the Salaat the Muslims convey greetings to each other (Eid Mubarak) give reasonable gifts (Eidi) to the youngsters and visit each other at their homes. Muslims also take this opportunity to invite their non-Muslims neighbors, co-workers, classmates and business acquaintances to Eid festivities to expose them to Islam and Muslim culture
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