Eid-ul-Azha: An Inexhaustible Combination of Sacrifice, Harmony and Amity -Md Sazzadul Islam

The significance of sacrifice in a believer’s life is limitless. The second-largest festival for Muslims is Eid-ul-Azha, which symbolizes the importance of sacrifice in a Muslim’s life. The word ‘Qurban’ is used instead of Qurbani in the Holy Quran. In the hadith, instead of using the word ‘Qurbani’, words like ‘Uzyah’ and ‘Yahiya’ are used. This explains why we call the Eid of Qurbani ‘Eid-ul-Azha’. And the word Azha is known as ‘Qurban’ in Arabic, ‘Qurbani’ in Persian or Urdu, which means ‘closeness’. It is believed that ‘Qurbani’ serves as a conduit for approaching Allah. In the conventional sense, the animal that is sacrificed on Eid-ul-Azha in order to gain the pleasure of Allah is called ‘Qurbani’. This day is called ‘Uyaomul Azha’ as ‘Qurbani’ is performed in the morning at the time of sunrise. However, the performance of Qurbani continues throughout the day and the following two days. And the literal meaning of sacrifice is sacrifice. On the 10th day of ZilHajj, the Muslim world observes the festival of Qurbani/Eid-ul-Azha by slaughtering animals as part of the Hajj as a sign of ultimate sacrifice. Therefore, Eid-ul-Azha is the festival in which the Muslim nation gathers to gain closeness to Almighty Allah through sacrifice. Qurbani is a tradition of the Muslim nation, and its importance is immense. This is why the Prophet (PBUH) always gave importance to the objectives of sacrifice. He utters a warning to those who refuse to sacrifice despite their means. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “A person who does not offer Qurbani, despite being able to, should not come to our Eidgaon.”

Significance

Eid-ul-Azha is a festival commemorating the supreme sacrifice of Ibrahim (A.S.), Bibi Hajera, and Ismail (A.S.). Ibrahim (A.S.) is mentioned in the Quran as the father of the Muslim nation. This family is the greatest example of sacrifice for the Muslim world. Therefore, on the day of Eid-ul-Azha, the entire Muslim nation strives to attain the pleasure of Allah by observing the sign of sacrifice of the prophet Ibrahim (A.S.). Millions of Muslims from all over the world gather in Makkah-Madinah, where the memory of Ibrahim (A.S.) is enshrined, on the occasion of Hajj in the month of Zilhajj, the memorial of sacrifice. They try with all their lives to become ideal examples of Ibrahim’s sacrificing minds. Hajj is a unique example of the unity, solidarity, and brotherhood of the Muslim Ummah. Each year, Tawheed motivates us with inspiration. We deeply appreciate the world’s Muslim brotherhood. Eid is a social festival, a collective celebration of joy. Sacrifice is a part of the Eid-ul-Azha festival. Sacrifice is a means of purification. Although this is a social custom, it has been introduced for the sake of Allah. He is the only God whose mercy man seeks at every moment. Our wealth, family, and society are dedicated to Him, and sacrifice is a symbol of that dedication.

People want to be blessed by getting close to Allah through sacrifice. The test is whether people are willing to give up their dearest things for the sake of Allah. Qurbani reminds us again and again of that test. Ibrahim (A.S.) was also tested by Allah. We no longer have to face the ordeal of sacrificing our sons. We can pass that test by sacrificing a ‘Musinnah’, a halal animal.
A question naturally arises in the context of Eid-ul-Azha. Shall we think of feeding the poor only at the time of Qurbani? And the rest of the year will forget them? No, of course not. Sacrifice is a symbolic affair. It serves as a symbol of self-sacrifice for Allah. In order to gain nearness to Allah, one should give up one’s wealth for the welfare of others throughout the year. However, if this attitude of sacrifice emerges, we should recognize the benefits of both the Eid of Qurbani and the sacrifice itself. Otherwise, it will remain a nominally consumerist event forever. In the Qur’an, Allah repeatedly commands sacrifice. Allah says, ‘O believers! Spend a portion of what you earn lawfully and a portion of what I have set out for you as a land’ (Baqarah 267). We must use the surplus resources we have to serve humanity. Throughout the year, we should help people as much as we can, keeping in mind the pleasure and nearness of Allah. Allah has repeatedly called people in the Holy Qur’an to reconcile the mind and wealth.

The aim of Eid-ul-Azha is to treat everyone with goodwill, sincerity, and modesty. This opportunity occurs only twice a year in the lives of Muslims. The rich and the poor, the king and the subjects standing in the same row, shoulder to shoulder, by praying two rak’ats, forget the differences between people. They exchange skills and share joys, filling life with ease and sincere magnificence. Basically, Eid-ul-Azha was created to remove the misery and despair in our daily lives. It is the duty of able-bodied Muslims to bring happiness to the lives of those who are unhappy and poor and to remove the scourge of poverty.

No good deed of a man is dearer to Allah than the shedding of blood on the Day of Sacrifice. On the Day of Resurrection, the horns, hairs, and razors of the sacrificial animals will be presented. Before the blood of the sacrifice touches the ground, its reward is accepted by Allah. What is the significance of the reward of sacrifice being accepted by Allah? Excited by the glory of faith and sacrifice, Ibrahim Khalilullah (A.S.) lifted the knife to the neck of his son. If the hearts of Ibrahim’s children did not resonate with the melody of faith and sacrifice at the time of putting the knife to the neck of the sacrificial animal, their bodies and minds would be worn by Allah. If the eagerness of surrender is not aroused, then their festival of Qurbani will end in the meat-slaughter phase. Allah has warned the Qurbani givers in unequivocal terms: ‘None of the blood or flesh of the sacrificial animal reaches Allah; only your piety or fear of Allah reaches’ (Hajj 37). That is, the man should be afraid of Allah and perform the sacrifice for His pleasure. Finally, I would like to say that the true significance of Qurbani is to create the desire to sacrifice one’s life for the sake of Allah, to revive the ideal of self-sacrifice, like the sacrifice of the son of Ibrahim, and to remember the grace of Allah and express His greatness.

Special activities for Eid Day

A believing Muslim has many important things to do on the day of Eid. To make yourself tidy and beautiful, you have to observe these practices. They are-

Miswak and bathing

Miswak and taking baths are Sunnah in normal condition. Eid Day has special importance. Because many people gather for Eid prayers, it is recommended to attend them fully clean. In the Hadith, Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (R.A.) narrates that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) used to bathe on the days of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha.

Dress well

It is Sunnah to wear the best and most beautiful clothes from among one’s clothes on the day of Eid. It is said in the Hadith that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) used to wear striped clothes on every Eid.

Do not eat anything before prayer

It is mustahab to eat some sweets before going to Eidgaon for prayer on Eid-ul-Fitr. But the day of Eid-ul-Azha is not such mustahab; rather, it is mustahab to eat the meat of the sacrifice as the first meal of the day after the sacrifice.

Change of route on the way back

It is mustahab to go home on one road while going to the Eidgah and finish the Eid prayer on the other road. In the hadith, Hazrat Jaber Ibn Abdullah (R.A.) narrates that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) used to change the road on his way back from the Eidgaon.

Going to Eidgah on foot

Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) used to go to the Eidgaon on foot on the days of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. A spear was carried in front of him, and it was placed in front of him as a’sutra’ during prayers. In another narration, the Messenger of Allah, may God bless him and grant him peace, used to walk to the Eidgaon. He used to walk home from Eidgaon.

Saying Takbeer on the way to and from the Eidgaon

It is Sunnah to say a loud Takbeer on the way to Eidgaon. It is narrated in the hadith that Hazrat Nafe (R.A.) narrates that Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (R.A.) used to leave the mosque for both Eid prayers. He used to say Takbeer (on the road) till he reached Eidgaon. Even after reaching Eidgaon, he used to say takbeer until the imam started the prayer. In another narration, Hazrat Abu Abdur Rahman Sulami (R.A.) narrates, The Companions used to say more Takbeer on Eid-ul-Azha than on Eid-ul-Fitr.

Taking children to Eidgaon

On the day of Eid, the elders will take the children with them while going to the Eidgaon. It is mustahab practice. It is mentioned in the hadith: Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Umar narrates that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) used to go out to the Eidgaon on two Eid days. Fazal ibn Abbas, Abdullah, Abbas, Ali, Jafar, Hasan, Husain, Usama ibn Zayd, Zayd ibn Haresa, and Umm Ayman’s son Ayman. He used to go to Eidgaon along the road of blacksmiths while saying takbeer in a loud voice, and after finishing prayers, he used to come home through the road of cobblers.

Praying at Eidgaon

It is muaqqada in Sunnah to pray at Eidgaon on Eid. It is said in the hadith that the Messenger of Allah, may God bless him and grant him peace, used to go to the Eidgaon on the days of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azhar.

Visiting graves on the day of Eid

The day of joy and happiness is the day of Eid. Many times, people become oblivious to the hereafter in their happiness. On the other hand, visiting graves reminds people of the hereafter. In this case, it is better to visit the grave on the day of Eid.

The order of sacrifice

According to many Islamic scholars, performing Qurbani is Sunnah. Narrated by Hadith: Hazrat Umm Salama (R.A.) narrated that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said, ‘When you see the moon of Zilhajj and one of you wishes to perform sacrifice, let him stop cutting his hair, nails, etc.’ This hadith indicates that sacrifice is subject to human will. Do it if you want; don’t do it if you don’t. However, according to most Hanafi scholars, Qurbani is obligatory. The first proof of this claim is the instructions in the Quran. Allah Ta’ala says, ‘I have given you the Qawsar, so pray for your Lord and sacrifice.’ (Surah Qawsar: Verses 1–2)
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A.) narrates that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said, “A person who does not perform Qurbani despite having the ability should not even come near our Eidgaon.”

Conditions for performing Qurbani

There are also six conditions for the one or those who perform Qurbani to be pure. namely-
purity of intention. Sacrifice for the sole purpose of pleasing Allah. If someone performs Qurbani with the intention of showing off to others, competing with someone, or eating meat, then his Qurbani will not be valid.
Do not associate a person with any intention other than the pleasure of Allah. In the case of shared sacrifice, if there is a problem with the intention of one person, everyone’s sacrifice will be ruined.
If the animal is slaughtered by someone other than the sacrificer, the permission of the sacrificer must be obtained. Even if there is no express verbal permission, there is at least an indication of permission.
The sacrificial animal is acceptable and blameless in Shari’ah. Therefore, the Shari’ah does not allow, or in the eyes of the Shari’ah, the sacrifice of an animal that is guilty will not be valid.
ownership of certain animals at the time of sacrificial slaughter. If someone slaughters another’s animal for the sake of sacrifice, even if he is a close relative, the sacrifice will not be valid.
Finally, I would like to say that the only ideal of every person in the Muslim family is not to obey the orders of Allah. Rather, it is their responsibility and duty to surrender to the commands of Allah. The father of the Muslim nation, Ibrahim (A.S.), taught this to his children. The lesson of the holy Eid-ul-Azha is to be inspired by self-sacrifice, to achieve human welfare, to maintain social order, and to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood. An Urdu poet said, “If the faith of Ibrahim is born again among us, then the pattern of a flower garden can be created again in the midst of fire.”
So let us not forget the significance and education of the great Eid-ul-Azha through mere worldliness, arrogance, competitive bloodshed, and meat eating. If the rise of Ibrahim faith and Ismail self-sacrifice is re-awakened, the victory of humanity will once again break through the thick darkness of modern ignorance. Peace and prosperity will return to society. Therefore, before stabbing the throat of the sacrificial animal, stab the hidden animality within us.
Be a surrenderer and self-sacrifice in the court of Almighty Allah. One must become a true believer, or muttaqi, by acquiring taqwa and fear of Allah. This is the prayer in the court of Almighty Allah, O God! Accept this sacrifice of ours and purify our souls. May our prayers, sacrifices, lives, and deaths be dedicated to Allah.