Eid ul-Adha

In Islam, there are two most special religious events/festival celebrated by the Muslims in all over the world. One of them is Eid ul-Fitr and second is Eid ul-Adha.

Eid ul-Adha is also known as the festival of sacrifice. This Eid is celebrated in the memory of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) obedience towards the will of ALLAH. When Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) going to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience, ALLAH sent a sheep at the same time under his knife. ALLAH accept his sacrifice before he is going to sacrifice his son.

Features of Eid ul Adha:

1. Qurbani (Sacrifice)

Sacrifice is one of the main events of Eid ul Adha. Muslims sacrifice a Sheep, Goat and Cow in the memory of great sacrifice of Hazart Ibrahim (AS). 

People who can afford can do this act of symbolize the willingness to sacrifice something dear to them for the sake of ALLAH. After the sacrifice, the meat is equally distributed among the Family, Friends and with those who are needy.

2. Prayer (Salat al Eid)

Before Sacrifice, Muslims perform Salat al Eid. Mostly, Salat al Eid is offered in an open ground or in Mosque. Before Salat al Adha, there is address by the Imam regarding this sacrifice. Salat al Eid is held early in the morning.

3. Charity

Eid al Adha highlights the charity and helping those who are in need and cannot do the Qurbani (Sacrifice). Muslims who sacrifice sheep, goat or cow distributed the people who are less fortune and cannot have much money to do the sacrifice, ensuring that everyone could take part in festival.

4. Family and Community

In Muslim counties, there are almost three to four days official holidays to celebrate Eid ul Adha. In these days, families come together, celebrate and share meals and invite relative and friends. In this way, people come close to each other and strengthen ties.

Hajj is one of the five Pillar of Islam and is also very important part of Eid ul Adha. People from all over the world, went to Mecca for the completion of Hajj. Dates of Hajj is determined by the Islamic calendar. There is different type of rituals to perform Hajj. The exact customs and traditions associated with the celebration can vary among different cultures and regions within the Muslim world, but the core theme of sacrifice, charity, and gratitude remains consistent.