Eid al-Adha: When & Why is it Celebrated?
Eid is the biggest celebration of the year for Muslims. Eid is the symbol of festiveness, a feast and joy for the Muslims. Every year, Muslims celebrate two Eid festivals, i.e. Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. As part of the
As part of the Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha celebrations, Muslims typically use the phrase Eid Mubarak to greet one another. This is used to remember one’s deeds and to give back to the poor and deprived.
, Muslims typically use the phrase Eid Mubarak to greet one another. This is used to remember one’s deeds and to give back to the poor and deprived.
Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated after the completion of the month of Ramadan. This Eid is also known as the Festival of festiveness, Sweet Eid or Sugar Eid. This is the only day in the whole Islamic year when Muslims are not allowed to do fasting.
On the other hand, Eid al-Adha is celebrated on 10th of the month Zil Hajj in the Islamic calendar. Muslims around the globe celebrate this festival to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim. The date of this Eid remains same in the Islamic calendar. While date changes every year, according to the Gregorian calendar. But these date drift 11 days earlier every year.
Eid al Adha Mubarak Origin:
Muslims celebrate this Eid in honour of Prophet Ibrahim’s will to sacrifice his Son as an act of submission to God’s command. Prophet Ibrahim had a dream about God commanding him to sacrifice his dearest possession, i.e. Ismaeel his son. Although Prophet Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his son for fulfilling the command of God. He asked his son about his willingness. Upon hearing about the dream, Ismaeel was as willing as his father to fulfil the wish of God. This shows such maturity of love, faith and commitment to God.
When Prophet Ibrahim and his son were going for fulfilling the command. Satan tries to stop Ibrahim. Every single time, Prophet Ibrahim threw stones on Satan. For commemorating this act, three pillars are situated on those spots where he threw stones on Satan. During Hajj, stones are thrown upon those pillars signifying Satan.
During the biggest trial of Prophet Ibrahim, he was going to cut the throat of his son. The next moment, he was astonished to see that his son was unharmed. God is so merciful and beneficent, Prophet Ibrahim has passed the test. Instead of his son, a dead ram was slaughtered.
So on Eid ul-Adha, Muslims sacrifice animals like goats, rams, camels and cows etc in honour of Ibrahim’s will to sacrifice.
Traditions of Eid al-Adha:
On the day of Eid, people get up early in the morning. They take baths and dress up in new clothes. Men go to the mosque for saying the Eid prayer. Eid prayer is usually performed in big places and mosques which are called Eidgah. The prayer of Eid is Sunnah al-Mu’kkadah.
Upon returning home, people greet each other Eid Mubarak and embrace. People go out to meet their relatives and friends for greeting Eid. After this, people who can afford i.e. Malik e Nisaab sacrifice halal domestic animals like sheep, goat, ram, camel and cow etc.
The meat of these animals is divided into three parts. One for family, one for friends and relatives and a third one for poor. In this way, this Eid brings joy for those who cannot afford to sacrifice animals
Eid al-Adha Mubarak is one of the great and important festivals for Muslims worldwide. It is a true symbol of sacrifice, joy and sharing.
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