Eid ul-Adha: A Celebration of Faith, Sacrifice, and Community
Dr. MAH Azhari
Eid ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar, celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. This day, rich in history and spiritual significance, carries multiple messages that resonate deeply within the Muslim community.
The origin of Eid ul-Adha traces back to the tale of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام who was commanded by Allah in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail. In submission to Allah’s will, Prophet Ibrahim prepared to carry out the command. However, at the last moment, Allah intervened and provided a ram to sacrifice instead. This act of obedience and faith is remembered and honored every year during Eid ul-Adha. Eid ul-Adha epitomizes the essence of obedience and submission to Allah's will. The story of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail عليهما السلام is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting and obeying God, even in the face of difficult and personal challenges. The act of sacrificing an animal during Eid ul-Adha symbolizes a Muslim’s readiness to give up things that are of benefit or close to the heart in order to follow Allah’s commands. It also signifies the willingness to help and support others in the community, reflecting selflessness and generosity.
The celebration of Eid ul-Adha begins with special prayers at the masjid known as Salat al-Eid. Muslims wear their finest clothes and gather in large numbers for these prayers. Following the prayers, the act of Ulhiyyah (animal sacrifice) is performed. The meat from the sacrifice is divided generally into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for friends and relatives, and one-third for the less fortunate. Families and friends come together to enjoy festive meals, share food, and celebrate. Traditional dishes are prepared, and the spirit of joy and fellowship is widespread. Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of charity and giving. This can include monetary donations, food, and other forms of support for those in need.
The day before Eid ul-Adha, Muslims rejoice as ‘Arafa day’ in which the world witnessed once a speech that stands as a monumental declaration of human rights, unparalleled in its magnitude and significance. The Arafa speech delivered by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the most significant declaration of human rights. At its core, Arafa's message embodies a simple yet profound principle: to live in peace and allow others to live in peace. This declaration reverberates through history, resonating with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who emphasized the mutual responsibility between men and women in a society where newborn daughters were tragically buried alive due to gender discrimination. Central to Arafa's message is the notion of unity transcending boundaries of ethnicity or nationality. Regardless of one's background, all individuals share a common bond as children of a single Father. True honor, Arafa teaches, lies not in worldly distinctions, but in piety and righteousness in the sight of Allah. What makes Arafa's proclamation even more remarkable is the context in which it was delivered. Despite occupying a position of privilege, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fearlessly championed the cause of equality and human rights. His words at Arafa serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, challenging societal norms and advocating for the dignity and rights of all individuals.
Eid ul-Adha is more than just a festival; it is an expression of faith, sacrifice, and community. It serves as a reminder of the values of obedience, selflessness, and compassion that are central to Islam. Through the rituals and traditions observed during this holiday, Muslims around the world come together to honor their faith, support one another, and reflect on the timeless lessons from the story of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail عليهما السلام May this auspicious occasion bring you and your loved ones
peace, happiness, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak to all!
The origin of Eid ul-Adha traces back to the tale of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام who was commanded by Allah in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail. In submission to Allah’s will, Prophet Ibrahim prepared to carry out the command. However, at the last moment, Allah intervened and provided a ram to sacrifice instead. This act of obedience and faith is remembered and honored every year during Eid ul-Adha. Eid ul-Adha epitomizes the essence of obedience and submission to Allah's will. The story of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail عليهما السلام is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting and obeying God, even in the face of difficult and personal challenges. The act of sacrificing an animal during Eid ul-Adha symbolizes a Muslim’s readiness to give up things that are of benefit or close to the heart in order to follow Allah’s commands. It also signifies the willingness to help and support others in the community, reflecting selflessness and generosity.
The celebration of Eid ul-Adha begins with special prayers at the masjid known as Salat al-Eid. Muslims wear their finest clothes and gather in large numbers for these prayers. Following the prayers, the act of Ulhiyyah (animal sacrifice) is performed. The meat from the sacrifice is divided generally into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for friends and relatives, and one-third for the less fortunate. Families and friends come together to enjoy festive meals, share food, and celebrate. Traditional dishes are prepared, and the spirit of joy and fellowship is widespread. Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of charity and giving. This can include monetary donations, food, and other forms of support for those in need.
The day before Eid ul-Adha, Muslims rejoice as ‘Arafa day’ in which the world witnessed once a speech that stands as a monumental declaration of human rights, unparalleled in its magnitude and significance. The Arafa speech delivered by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the most significant declaration of human rights. At its core, Arafa's message embodies a simple yet profound principle: to live in peace and allow others to live in peace. This declaration reverberates through history, resonating with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who emphasized the mutual responsibility between men and women in a society where newborn daughters were tragically buried alive due to gender discrimination. Central to Arafa's message is the notion of unity transcending boundaries of ethnicity or nationality. Regardless of one's background, all individuals share a common bond as children of a single Father. True honor, Arafa teaches, lies not in worldly distinctions, but in piety and righteousness in the sight of Allah. What makes Arafa's proclamation even more remarkable is the context in which it was delivered. Despite occupying a position of privilege, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fearlessly championed the cause of equality and human rights. His words at Arafa serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, challenging societal norms and advocating for the dignity and rights of all individuals.
Eid ul-Adha is more than just a festival; it is an expression of faith, sacrifice, and community. It serves as a reminder of the values of obedience, selflessness, and compassion that are central to Islam. Through the rituals and traditions observed during this holiday, Muslims around the world come together to honor their faith, support one another, and reflect on the timeless lessons from the story of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail عليهما السلام May this auspicious occasion bring you and your loved ones
peace, happiness, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak to all!