What is Eid-ul-Adha | Bakrid?
In Islam, there are two Eid Celebration Festivals.
1) Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
2) Eid-ul-Adha, which marks the end of the yearly Hajj journey during the time of Qurbani (sacrifice). Although Eid-ul-Adha has no direct connection to the Hajj Pilgrimage, it occurs just a day after Hajj is completed and so has historical importance.
The tenth day of the last (twelfth) month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar, Dhu-al-Hijjah, is Eid-ul-Adha. The date of the celebration is determined by a valid sighting of the moon after the yearly Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj, which is an obligation for all Muslims who meet certain criteria, one of important Islam’s Five Pillars.
Why do Muslims Celebrate Eid-ul-Adha?
This festival commemorates Ibrahim’s (A.S.) greatest challenge, which was to accept God’s command and sacrifice his own son. Ibrahim (A.S.) had dreams about murdering his son Ishmael for God. When Ibrahim (A.S.) told his son Ishmael about God’s purpose, and his son eagerly consented to be sacrificed. The Shaitaan then sought to persuade Ibrahim (A.S.) and his family not to follow out God’s command. Shaitaan was repulsed by Ibrahim (A.S.) who hurled rocks at him(Shaiaan).
To memorialize their rejection of Satan, stones are thrown at symbolic pillars during the Hajj rituals, a practice known as the Stoning of the Devil. God eventually rewarded both Ibrahim (A.S.) and his son Ishmael for their willingness to give up their most prized possessions. Instead of Ishmael, Angel Gabriel offered Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) a lamb from heaven to sacrifice to God. On Eid-ul-Adha, Muslims all around the globe remember both Ibrahim’s (A.S.) dedication and Ishmael’s survival.
Guidelines for Eid-ul-Adha
The distribution of meat among the people at Eid ul-Adha, as well as saying the Takbir loudly before and after Eid prayers on the first day of Eid and during the four days of Eid, are considered essential aspects of this major Islamic festival.
Eid prayer is held on an open waqf (“stopping”) field called Eidgah or mosque in front of a large crowd. Men, women, and children are expected to dress in their finest attire for this occasion.
Affluent Muslims who can afford to donate their best domestic animals (usually a camel, goat, cow, sheep depending on the area) for halal as a representation of Ibrahim (A.S.)’s willingness to sacrifice his only son.
To be considered an acceptable sacrifice, the slaughtered animals, known as Adhiya and sometimes known as Qurbani in Perso-Arabic, must fulfill certain age and quality requirements. It is suggested that the meat of the slaughtered animal be divided into three parts. The family keeps one-third of the share, another third is dispersed to relatives, friends, and neighbors, and the final third is allocated to the poor and needy.
Sunnahs of Eid-ul-Adha and Prayer
Eid al Adha is a Muslim holiday celebrated throughout the world for two to four days (depending on the country). There are, however, basic Sunnah that every Muslim should adhere to while enjoying this wonderful occasion.
- Get up early in the morning.
- Brush or use Miswak to clean your teeth.
- Take an Islamic bath.
- On this day, wear the new or best dress.
- Put on some perfume.
- Refrain to eat anything before the Eid prayer.
- While heading to Eid prayer, recite the Takbir of Tashriq in a loud voice. اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ ، وَاللهُ أَكْبَرُ، اَللهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
(Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allahu akbar laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, wa Allaahu akbar, Allaah akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd)
- After offering Eid prayers, listen to the sermon (Khutba). (An-Nasai: 1517)
- Take alternative routes to the mosque and back after giving Eid prayers. (Sahih Bukhari: 986)
The sacrifice of Animal Or Qurbani on Eid-ul-Adha
On the day of Eid-Al-Adha, animal sacrifice or Qurbani is a verified Sunnah of both Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) and our beloved Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.). Some scholars, on the other hand, believe it is a ‘Wajib’ (obligatory).
Cattle sacrifice is a significant act of devotion in the eyes of Allah. It draws the individual who makes the sacrifice closer to Allah.
The importance of sacrifice in the way of Allah has clearly mentioned in the Hadith.
Conclusion
Enjoy this holiday by praising Allah for His blessings and for allowing us to carry out Prophet Ibrahim’s wonderful Sunnah (A.S). But don’t forget about your less fortunate Muslim brothers and sisters who can’t afford to enjoy this beautiful occasion.
Also, remember us, as well as the whole Muslim Ummah, in your Eid Duas.