Eid Al Adha is the Muslim festival that is celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hajj. It is celebrated the next day of the Hajj.  The Eid is celebrated with enthusiasm, devotion, and love. It is observed to continue the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) who was ready to sacrifice his son Hazrat Ismail (AS) for the sake of ALLAH.

Muslims according to their financial capability sacrifice animals (cows, goats, sheep, camels, etc) to seek the pleasure of ALLAH (SWT). They sacrifice their animal and distribute one portion to the poor and needy people of society, one portion to relatives and friends, and one portion they keep for themselves. The reason behind this distribution is that everyone can enjoy this festival equally without any differences.

WHY DO MUSLIMS CELEBRATE EID AL ADHA?

Muslims around the globe celebrate Eid Al Adha as it was introduced by the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Eid is celebrated to commemorate Hazrat Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son Hazrat Ismail (AS). Through dream, ALLAH (SWT) commanded Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son, after watching dream, he took it as the command of ALLAH (SWT) and was ready to sacrifice Hazrat Ismail (AS).

Just as Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) was to sacrifice his son, ALLAH sent sheep from heaven and instructed Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice the sheep and not his son. ALLAH (SWT) was pleased with Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and how he accepted ALLAH’s command without any second thought.

Therefore, Muslim celebrate this day and sacrifice animals to honor the legacy of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). By celebrating Eid al Adha, Muslims remember the exemplary character, faith, and devotion of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) any pay homage.

HOW DO MUSLIMS CELEBRATE EID AL ADHA?

On the day of Eid, Muslim men go to the mosques wearing new clothes, for praying the special Eid Prayer which is known as Salat Al Eid followed by a special sermon. After the completion of the prayer, they greet EID to each other with love and warmth. Muslims after performing Eid prayers, sacrifice their animals and distribute the meat.

It is essential to make the sacrifice easier for the animals and sacrifice them in a way that the animals don’t feel much pain. Additionally, it is Sunnah to keep the face of animals while sacrificing towards the Qibla.

After distributing the meat, families gather to celebrate Eid ul-Adha by eating a celebratory dinner together. Special meals and treats are made, frequently including meat from the sacrificed animal. Friends and family members visit one another, exchanging presents and taking part in the celebrations. The focus is on developing a sense of community and tightening up familial ties.

HOW MANY ANIMALS SHOULD BE SACRIFICED BY AN INDIVIDUAL?

Sacrificing is obligatory for every Muslim who has reached the age of puberty and is financially capable of paying Zakat.

A person can sacrifice as many animals as he wants according to his wish and financial status but the objective of sacrifice should only be to please ALLAH and not to show off the world.

HOW IS EID AL ADHA CELEBRATED WORLDWIDE?

Eid Al Adha is celebrated with great passion and zeal in different parts of the world. Different people celebrate this festival differently depending on their rituals and traditions. Let’s explore how it is celebrated in different countries of the world:

SAUDIA ARABIA: As Saudi Arabia is the place where Islam started, Eid Al Adha is celebrated on a big scale there. Millions of Muslims come to Makkah to perform Hajj and after Hajj sacrifices their animal in slaughterhouses. People celebrate this festival with much love and devotion.

TURKEY: Eid ul-Adha is known as Kurban Bayram in Turkey. People spruce up their residences, don new attire, and pay respects at the graves of their loved ones. The sacrificed animal, frequently a sheep, is ritually sacrificed, and the flesh is then given away to loved ones, close friends, and those in need. Traditional foods are prepared and served, such as specialties made with lamb.

PAKISTAN AND BANGLADESH: These countries enthusiastically celebrate this festival, demonstrating immense devotion. Preparations involve keeping animals near homes, caring for them, and providing food and cleanliness. Families unite for communal prayers, perform animal sacrifices, and generously distribute meat. The day is spent joyfully with loved ones, relishing a variety of delectable dishes made from the sacrificial meat.

INDONESIA: In Indonesia, Eid ul-Adha, also known as Idul Adha or Hari Raya Haji, is a significant holiday. The sacrificial animals, usually cows or goats, are sacrificed while Muslims pray in mosques or other locations. The needy, close friends and family members receive the meat. Families are visited, congratulations are exchanged, and celebratory feasts are had. Traditional music and cultural acts are also featured throughout the festival.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: In the USA, Muslims attend mosques for prayers, take part in neighborhood celebrations with entertainment and cultural acts, and during this period, charitable deeds and giving are prioritized, with donations given to help the less fortunate and initiatives undertaken to distribute sacrificed meat. The holiday is celebrated in the USA in a way that represents the diversity of the Muslim population, with open houses and ethnic customs encouraging intercultural understanding and allowing for cultural expression while respecting the ideals of harmony, thankfulness, and devotion.

FINAL WORDS:

The day of Eid al Adha is the most enjoyable event for the Muslim community. Even though it is celebrated differently in different parts of the world but the main objective of this Eid is to practice generosity and unity and to develop a sense of sacrifice for the sake of seeking Divine pleasure.

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