Eid-ul-Adha is here;
Bakra Eid is here;
Happiness is here;
Eid ul-Adha is the latter of the two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year. It honours the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah’s command . Before Ibrahim could sacrifice his son, however, Allah provided a lamb to sacrifice instead.
Eid al-Adha, also known as Bakra Eid, is one of the most important Islamic holidays celebrated by Muslims around the world. Here is a detailed explanation of why and how it is celebrated:
Historical and Religious Significance
- Story of Ibrahim (Abraham) and Isma’il (Ishmael):
- The celebration of Eid al-Adha commemorates the story of the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) willingness to sacrifice his son Isma’il (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God (Allah).
- According to Islamic tradition, Ibrahim had a dream in which he believed Allah was commanding him to sacrifice his son. When he shared this dream with Isma’il, his son agreed to fulfill the command.
- As Ibrahim was about to carry out the sacrifice, Allah intervened and provided a ram to sacrifice instead, signifying that Ibrahim had passed the test of faith and obedience.
- Quranic Reference:
- This story is referenced in the Quran, in Surah As-Saffat (37:102-107), where the narrative of Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son and Allah’s mercy in providing a ram instead is mentioned.
Rituals and Celebrations
- Sacrifice (Qurbani):
- Central to the celebration is the act of Qurbani, or the ritual sacrifice of an animal, typically a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. The choice of animal varies based on regional and cultural practices.
- The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the poor and needy.
- Prayers and Festivities:
- The day begins with a special prayer service held at mosques and open fields. This prayer is known as Salat al-Eid, and it includes a sermon.
- Following the prayer, Muslims perform the sacrifice, and the meat distribution begins.
- Families and friends gather for festive meals, and it is a time of communal harmony, charity, and sharing.
- Pilgrimage (Hajj):
- Eid al-Adha coincides with the completion of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Pilgrims perform a series of rituals over several days, culminating in the sacrifice.
- For those not on pilgrimage, the Eid rituals serve as a spiritual connection to the pilgrims and the wider Muslim community.
Symbolism and Values
- Faith and Obedience:
- Eid al-Adha symbolizes the importance of faith, obedience to God, and the willingness to submit to His will.
- Charity and Compassion:
- The act of sacrificing an animal and distributing its meat underscores the values of charity, sharing, and compassion for those who are less fortunate.
- Community and Unity:
- The communal prayers, shared meals, and collective celebrations foster a sense of unity and brotherhood among Muslims.
Modern Observances
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Global Celebrations:
- Eid al-Adha is celebrated by Muslims in diverse cultural contexts, and while the core religious practices remain consistent, regional customs and culinary traditions add to the variety of celebrations.
- In some countries, public holidays are declared, and special events and markets are set up for the occasion.
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Adaptations:
- In contemporary urban settings, logistical considerations such as obtaining and sacrificing animals may lead to variations in how the rituals are performed, with some opting for organized Qurbani services or donations to charity organizations.
Eid al-Adha remains a time of deep spiritual reflection, gratitude, and joy for Muslims worldwide, reinforcing core Islamic values and traditions.