Eid-ul-Adha
The Festival of Sacrifice
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice, is a three-day Muslim festival commemorating Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and honors his devotion to Allah. This festival unites Muslim families globally through celebrations of feasting, exchanging gifts, and prayer, allowing Muslims to acknowledge the significance of sacrifice.Â
It also marks the end of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam, and an obligation for all able-bodied Muslims to undertake at least once in their lifetime if possible. It is also known as the Greater Eid, Islam’s second most important festival, celebrated yearly to seek Allah’s blessings and mercy.
After many years of prayer, the story begins when Prophet Ibrahim and his wife Hajar are blessed with a son, Ismail. To test Ibrahim’s devotion, Allah asked him to sacrifice his son. Despite the long wait for his son’s arrival, Ibrahim did not hesitate to agree to this audacious step. His compliance demonstrated his unwavering faith in Allah.
However, before Ibrahim could carry out the sacrifice, Allah spared Ismail’s life and provided a lamb as a replacement. This event taught Muslims to trust Allah and remain steadfast in trials, which is why it is celebrated to honor this holy occasion in Islamic history.
Eid-ul-Adha: Commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s Devotion
Celebrating the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering devotion to Allah, Eid-ul-Adha holds deep significance in Islam. This occasion is marked by the sacrificial offering of an animal whose meat is shared among family, friends, and the less fortunate, symbolizing the importance of compassion and charity in the Islamic faith.
This sacrifice reflects Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God, only for God to provide a ram as a substitute, showcasing divine mercy and providence.
Controversy Surrounding Halal Slaughter
In recent years, the traditional practice of halal slaughter during Eid-ul-Adha has faced criticism and controversy, particularly in the Western world. Critics argue that the method of slaughter, which involves cutting the animal’s throat while it is conscious, is inhumane.
However, it is important to note that Islamic teachings emphasize that the slaughter should be swift and the animal should not suffer, with the recitation of “bismillah” (in the name of God) before the act serving as a reminder of the sanctity of life.
Islamic Slaughtering Ritual
During this sacrifice, the animal is positioned facing Mecca (Qibla), and a sharp knife is used to cut its throat, ensuring minimal suffering swiftly. The utterance of “bismillah” before the slaughter is a crucial part of the ritual, signifying that the act is being carried out in the name of Allah. The quick loss of consciousness by the animal ensures that any pain is brief, aligning with Islamic teachings on compassion towards animals.
Charity and Kinship
A central aspect of Eid-ul-Adha is the emphasis on charity and kinship. Muslims are encouraged to remember the less fortunate by giving to charity and sharing the sacrificial meat with those in need. This practice promotes a sense of community and solidarity, reinforcing the importance of compassion and generosity in Islam.Â
Additionally, it serves as a reminder of the blessings one has received and the importance of expressing gratitude through acts of kindness.
Prayer and Brotherhood
It begins with a special prayer, known as Salat al-Eid, performed in the congregation. This prayer is an opportunity for Muslims to seek blessings and forgiveness from Allah and reinforce the bonds of brotherhood and unity within the community. Following the prayer, a sermon known as a khutbah is delivered, often emphasizing the themes of sacrifice, obedience to God, and compassion towards others.
Celebration and Fellowship
After the prayer and sermon, Muslims greet each other with the traditional Arabic greeting, Eid Mubarak, meaning “Blessed Eid.” The remainder of the day is spent celebrating, with families and friends coming together to enjoy festive meals and exchange gifts. This time of celebration fosters a sense of joy and camaraderie among Muslims, reinforcing the importance of community and shared values.
Eid ul-Adha Food
Eid ul-Adha, known as the “Salty Eid,” contrasts with Eid ul-Fitr, often called the “Sweet Eid” due to its focus on sweet dishes. The Eid ul-Adha feast’s composition in the UK varies based on families’ cultural backgrounds. Still, it typically revolves around the meat of the slaughtered animal: mutton (adult sheep), chevon (adult goat), or beef (adult cattle).
Popular dishes for this occasion include Kebab (boneless cooked meat), Haleem (a stew typically made from meat, wheat, and lentils), and Biryani (a spicy meat and rice dish originating from India). The meal is often complemented by a sweet dessert featuring cakes, biscuits, or sweet pastries like Turkish baklava.
Lessons of Sacrifice and Gratitude
It marks an important occasion in Islam, from the sacrificial meat to the completion of Hajj rituals to the special Eid prayer to the brotherhood on this glorified day. It promotes goodness within the Muslim community and teaches several lessons of sacrifice and gratitude.
The holy day provides Muslims with a great opportunity to reap many blessings from Allah and gives an idea of the strong faith Muslims should possess in their Lord, as their Prophet Ibrahim did. The distribution of sacrificial meat alongside giving to charity encourages fellowship amongst Muslims, advocating love and teaching Muslims gratitude for all the bounties Allah has graciously provided.
Importance of Eid-ul-Adha
These aspects collectively contribute to the significance of this sacrifice in the lives of Muslims and its importance in the Islamic calendar.
FAQs
How is Eid-ul-Adha celebrated?
It is celebrated with prayers, feasting, and the sacrifice of an animal (Qurbani). The meat from the sacrifice is shared with family, friends, and the less fortunate. Muslims also exchange gifts and engage in acts of charity and goodwill.
What is the significance of the Qurbani during Eid-ul-Adha?
The Qurbani symbolizes Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail and his ultimate obedience to Allah. It also emphasizes the importance of sacrifice and charity in Islam, as the meat from the Qurbani is shared with others.
Why is Eid-ul-Adha also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice?
It is known as the Feast of the Sacrifice because it commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail to obey Allah. It emphasizes the importance of sacrifice and devotion in Islam.
What is the significance of distributing the Qurbani meat to others?
Distributing the Qurbani meat to others is a way of sharing blessings and expressing gratitude to Allah. It promotes a sense of community, solidarity, compassion, and generosity towards those in need.
How does Eid-ul-Adha promote unity among Muslims?
It promotes unity among Muslims by bringing them together in prayer and celebration. It emphasizes the shared values of sacrifice, charity, and gratitude, fostering a sense of brotherhood and solidarity within the Muslim community.
Conclusion
Eid-ul-Adha is a significant festival in Islam that commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah and his willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail. It emphasizes the values of sacrifice, charity, and gratitude and promotes unity and solidarity among Muslims worldwide. The celebration of it is a reminder of the importance of faith, devotion, and submission to the divine will in the life of a believer.
It is a time for spiritual reflection, renewal, and rejoicing as Muslims come together to pray, feast, and share their blessings with others. It serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, generosity, and community in Islam and highlights the rich cultural diversity of Muslim societies worldwide.
