Eid al-Adha: A Celebration of Faith, Sacrifice, and Compassion -Fatema Tania

Eid al-Adha is one of the biggest celebrations of the Muslim Ummah. According to the lunar calendar, we celebrate this festive day on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. It’s also called the ‘Festival of Sacrifice,’ and this tradition comes down to us from the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The celebration of Eid al-Adha is celebrated at the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca to show honour of the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS.) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. It’s not only an occasion; it’s the reflection of the sacrifice of our egos, passions, and desires for the sake of Allah (SWT).

A Deeper Look at the Inner Story of Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is a historical event of the Muslim Ummah. On that day, we slaughter animals. While we are physically slaughtering animals, the deeper significance lies in overcoming our inner struggles. This is the more profound meaning of sacrifice, and it goes beyond simply giving up something. Our beloved Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) is the foundation of the story of sacrifice on Eid al-Adha. Among the Muslims, Prophet Ibrahim (AS.) is considered one of the greatest individuals of humanity and the father of all the prophets. He was one of the most prominent prophets mentioned to us in the Quran. The story of his sacrifice is a magnificent example of unwavering faith and devotion to Allah (SWT).

Hazrat Ibrahim (AS.) was born in Babylon (present-day Iraq). Ibrahim’s (AS.) community practiced idol worship, and his father was a famous sculptor and crafter of idols. Ibrahim (AS.) didn’t believe in idol worship. He believed that idols made from wood and stone, crafted by human beings like his father, could not possibly represent the gods. Ibrahim (AS.) always tried to convince his community to disbelieve in idol worship. His community punished him for this.

Eventually, Ibrahim (AS.) heartily believed in the Lord of the universe, the only creator of this incredible world. Ibrahim (AS.) was chosen by Allah (SWT) for his trusted potentiality for the mission of Prophethood. Allah sent Ibrahim to guide the people and teach them about Tawhid. Tawhid means Allah is one, and he has no equals or partners. Ibrahim (AS.) faced many tribulations in spreading Allah’s messages among the people. His father threw him into the fire. He passed all of these tests with faith in Allah (SWT).

Years later, Ibrahim (AS.) established the mission of Prophethood, and then his family faced a trial from Allah (SWT). He had a dream that Allah(SWT) had instructed him to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS). That was a hard trial for Ibrtahim (AS.). Ismail (AS.) was his only son, and he loved him more than himself. But Ibrahim (AS.) tried to become strong and followed Allah’s instructions. He told Ismail (AS.) about his dream and Allah’s(SWT) instruction.

Ismail (AS.) also became a prophet later. After hearing his father’s dream, Ismail (AS.) willingly agrees to go with his father. He also had great devotion to Allah (SWT). Ibrahim (AS.) traveled to Mount Arafat with Ismail (AS.) to perform the sacrifice. When Ibrahim was about to perform the sacrifice, Allah (SWT) interfered, saying, “O Ibrahim! You have realized the vision, and now you will receive your reward!

Instead of sending Ismail (AS) to sacrifice, Allah (SWT) sent Ibrahim (AS) a ram, from which we received a magnificent sacrifice. His sacrifice is so exceptional that Muslims remember it every year during the holy month of Dhul Hijjah, and that momentous day is known as Eid al-Adha. All over the world, all Muslims offer an animal for the sake of Allah(SWT) on the day of Eid al-Adha. We follow Ibrahim’s (AS) footsteps to give Qurbani and remember his devotion to Allah (SWT).

Celebration of Eid Al-Adha around the World
People typically celebrate Eid al-Adha with special prayers, feasts, and the slaughter of animals, distributing the meat to family, neighbors, and the needy. Sacrifices are performed for the sake of Allah (SWT), and people try to reflect their intention in sacrifices like Ibrahim (AS). Islam recommends refraining from cutting hair and nails before performing a sacrifice (Qurbani).  According to the Hanbali madhab, all are the the mandatory Sunnah of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).

Eid Al-Adha means sacrifice or Qurbani. Sacrifice, or Qurbani, is the most significant aspect of human life. It is not just about sacrificing animals. It also teaches us about obedience, faith, and generosity in following Allah’s (SWT) order. Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice serves as a significant lesson for us. We should also realize the inner meaning of Qurbani. Sacrificing animals represents the outer aspect of Eid al-Adha, while the inner aspect involves surrendering one’s ego, passions, and desires for the sake of Allah (SWT). On Eid day, we distribute meat to the people to share our blessings with them. The sacrifice of animals is a very sacred ritual of Islam.

Millions of people around the globe are suffering from extreme poverty. We can offer Islamic relief to help those in need. We can perform sacrifices in many ways. We should provide food, hope, and dignity to poor people. Qurbani’s moral messages are to feed the needy people, and the divine message is to become closer to Allah (SWT).

Muslims practice Qurbani traditions in various ways. Healthy animals are required for Qurbani. Next, adhere to the religious guidelines for animal slaughter, dividing the meat into three portions. The first is for the festival feast, the second is for family, and the third is for the needy. Eid day means sharing your happiness with everybody in your society. This is the common tradition of Eid al-Adha around the world. All Muslim countries share these basic rules of Qurbani. Different cultures have diverse food preparation methods and cuisines due to various factors like available ingredients, climate, traditions, and social norms.

Sharing and caring for each other is the beauty of Islam. The Quran and the Sunnah are the foundation of religious practice, and we should follow the rules of the Quran and the Sunnah. Islam is the most beautiful religion in the world. It’s spread humanity and peace around the world. Islam emphasizes sharing and caring for others as core principles. These values are reflected in various facets of Islamic teachings, including charity and social responsibilities.

Eid Al-Adha represents the significant value of devotion to Allah (SWT). It symbolizes the ultimate test of faith and submission to Allah’s(SWT) will.