What is Eid al-Adha, and why do we celebrate it? Meaning and traditions

What is Eid al-Adha, and why do we celebrate it? Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar. Celebrated by Muslims worldwide, this religious festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) in obedience to God's command.

Key takeaways

• Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
• Observed by Muslims worldwide, aligning with the Hajj pilgrimage.
• Animals are sacrificed, and the meat is shared among family, friends, and the needy.
• Emphasises giving to the less fortunate.

What is Eid al-Adha, and why do we celebrate it?

Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the most important Islamic holidays. Muslims worldwide celebrate it to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, as an act of obedience to God's command.

It is closely connected to Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Why do we celebrate Eid al-Adha in Urdu?

As millions of Muslims perform Hajj, those who cannot participate celebrate Eid al-Adha to honour the same spirit of faith and sacrifice.

Importance of Eid al-Adha

• Eid al-Adha is significant for Muslims because it symbolises unwavering faith and obedience to God.
• It is a time of spiritual reflection, gratitude, and community bonding.
• Muslims remember the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice, which is a lesson in selflessness, trust, and the importance of putting God’s commands above personal desires.
• The festival also emphasises charity, as the meat from the sacrificed animals is distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate.

How is Eid al-Adha celebrated?

Eid al-Adha is marked by a series of rituals and traditions. Below is how to celebrate Eid al-Adha;

• Muslims begin the day with special Eid prayers at mosques or open prayer grounds.
• A sermon (khutbah) is delivered, reminding worshippers of the values of faith and sacrifice.
• The Qurbani (sacrifice) of a halal animal, such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, is performed.
• The meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the needy.
• Families gather for festive meals, exchange gifts, and visit loved ones.
• Eid al-Adha food plays a central role, with traditional dishes like biryani, kebabs, roasted meats, curries, and sweet delicacies such as baklava and sheer khurma, making the celebration joyful and flavorful.

10 Sentences on Eid ul-Adha

Understanding how to celebrate Eid ul-Adha helps us appreciate its true essence. This sacred festival is a time of faith, sacrifice, and community. Here are the sentences on Eid al-Adha

• Eid al-Adha is one of the two major Islamic festivals Muslims celebrate.
• It is also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice."
• The celebration honours the faith and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim.
• Muslims perform special prayers at mosques on Eid morning.
• A ritual sacrifice of an animal is performed as a symbol of devotion.
• The meat is distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate.
• Eid al-Adha is a time for family gatherings and sharing festive meals.
• It is a reminder of the values of charity, gratitude, and compassion.
• The celebration coincides with the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage.
• Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha with joy and reflection.

What is the special message for Eid al-Adha?

The special message of Eid al-Adha is one of faith, sacrifice, and compassion. It teaches the importance of putting God’s will above personal desires, just Prophet Ibrahim demonstrated. It also emphasises charity, kindness, and unity among Muslims.

What is the moral significance of Eid al-Adha?

The moral significance of Eid al-Adha lies in its lessons of selflessness, obedience to God, and compassion for others. Muslims are reminded to help the needy, share blessings, and remain faithful in their beliefs.

What is the wisdom behind Eid al-Adha?

The wisdom behind Eid al-Adha is to test and strengthen faith, just as Prophet Ibrahim’s faith was tested. It also encourages gratitude, humility, and a spirit of giving through the practice of Qurbani (sacrifice).

How do you wish you and your family a blessed Eid al-Adha?

You can wish your family a blessed Eid al-Adha with heartfelt words such as,

"May this Eid al-Adha bring peace, joy, and countless blessings to you and your loved ones. Eid Mubarak!"

To make it more special, consider adding Eid al-Adha gift ideas such as personalised gifts, sweets, or traditional items that reflect love and care.

What is the meaning of Qurbani (sacrifice)?

Qurbani refers to the ritual sacrifice of an animal during Eid al-Adha. It symbolises the willingness of Muslims to give up something valuable for the sake of God, just as Prophet Ibrahim was prepared to sacrifice his son in obedience to God's will.

Can I celebrate Eid al-Adha if I don’t perform Hajj?

Yes, you can still celebrate Eid al-Adha even if you don't perform Hajj. The celebration is for all Muslims, whether they are in Mecca or not. The essence of Eid al-Adha is in remembering the sacrifices made by Prophet Ibrahim and honouring God’s commands.

What is the best way to perform Qurbani?

The best way to perform Qurbani is to follow the guidelines set in Islamic law, ensuring that the animal is halal (permissible), healthy, and prepared humanely and respectfully. It is also important to share the meat with family, friends, and those in need as an act of charity.

Facts about Eid al-Adha

The list below seeks to identify critical points about Eid al-Adha:

1. Eid al-Adha is performed on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah according to the Islamic calendar. Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar.
2. Muslims prepare themselves by performing Wudhu and offering Fajr prayer. Wudhu refers to the ritual of washing performed before prayer.
3. Prayers are offered in immense gatherings to represent unity and consist of two Rakats. Rakat refers to a single unit of Muslim prayers.
4. A sermon follows after the prayer and is usually compulsory. The Khutba lasts between 15 to 20 minutes.
5. After the prayers, the Qurbani ritual follows. It entails sacrificing a goat, a cow or a buffalo. The meat is usually divided into three portions.
6. The three pieces are shared as follows: the first part is for their family, the second part goes to their neighbours, while the third is given to the poor.

What is Eid al-Adha, and why do we celebrate it? The annual Muslim festival commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim. It is a time of faith, sacrifice, gratitude, and community, where Muslims come together to honor the Prophet's story and share their blessings with others.

Legit.ng recently published an article on Eid al-Adha rules, practices, traditions and regulations. Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is an essential Islamic festival.

While most Muslims observe Eid al-Adha rules for prayers and animal sacrifices, non-Muslim guests are not compelled to obey all the regulations. Click on the link above to learn more!

Source: Legit.ng