In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Verily, all praise is due to Allah ﷻ, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One who guided us to Islam and blessed us with the sacred days of worship. Among these noble days, one stands out as a beacon of faith, obedience, and devotion: Eid al-Adha (عيد الأضحى), the Festival of Sacrifice.
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📜 What Is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Greater Eid, is one of the two major Islamic festivals, the other being Eid al-Fitr. It is observed on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
This day commemorates the momentous event when Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) ﷺ was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his beloved son Isma'il (Ishmael) ﷺ, as a test of faith. When both father and son submitted wholeheartedly to Allah’s command, Allah replaced the son with a ram — thus sparing Isma'il and symbolizing divine mercy.
“And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.”
— Surah As-Saffat, 37:107
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🕋 Connection with Hajj: The Sacred Days
Eid al-Adha occurs during the Hajj pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam. On this day, pilgrims in Mina perform the ritual of animal sacrifice (Qurbani) after standing on the plains of Arafah, supplicating and weeping before their Lord.
For Muslims who are not on Hajj, Eid al-Adha is still a day of profound spiritual significance. It marks a time of:
- 🕌 Increased worship
- 🤲 Heartfelt supplication
- 🐑 Animal sacrifice (Qurbani)
- 🍛 Feeding the needy
- 👨👩👧👦 Strengthening family ties
🐐 The Act of Sacrifice (Qurbani): A Symbol of Submission
The word "Qurbani" is derived from the Arabic root Q-R-B, which means "to come near." The act of sacrificing an animal — sheep, goat, cow, or camel — is not about bloodshed, but about proximity to Allah through obedience and charity.
“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him.”
— Surah Al-Hajj, 22:37
📝 Guidelines of Qurbani:
- The animal must be healthy and meet age requirements.
- It should be sacrificed after the Eid prayer, not before.
- The meat should be divided into three parts:
- One for the family 🍽️
- One for relatives and friends 👥
- One for the poor and needy 🤝
🕊️ Spiritual Significance of Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha teaches Muslims several profound lessons:
🧎 1. Submission to Allah
Just as Ibrahim ﷺ submitted without hesitation, Muslims are reminded to place their trust in Allah, even when His wisdom is beyond our comprehension.
❤️ 2. Sacrifice for a Greater Good
Whether it is time, wealth, ego, or comfort, the believer is called to sacrifice for the sake of pleasing Allah.
🧘 3. Gratitude and Generosity
The festival encourages Muslims to be thankful for Allah’s blessings and to share joy and sustenance with others — especially the less fortunate.
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🕊️ Sunnahs of Eid al-Adha: Reviving the Prophetic Way
A Muslim seeks to emulate the Messenger of Allah ﷺ even on joyous days. Among the Sunnahs to observe on Eid:
- 🛁 Perform Ghusl (ritual purification) before the Eid prayer
- 👗 Wear one's best clothes
- 🕌 Attend the Eid prayer at the mosque or prayer ground
- 🛤️ Take a different route when returning from the prayer
- 📣 Pronounce the Takbir:
🌍 A Festival of Unity and Equality
Eid al-Adha unites Muslims across the globe 🌐. Regardless of race, language, or nationality, believers share in the joy, sacrifice, and worship of this day.
It is also a time to remember that true nobility lies in righteousness, not in wealth or status.
“Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.”
— Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13
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🙏 Conclusion: A Day of Worship, Joy, and Reflection
Eid al-Adha is not merely a cultural celebration. It is a powerful reminder of obedience, trust, and selflessness. It teaches that the essence of faith is to prefer Allah’s will above our own and to honor His commandments with joy and sincerity.
Let us renew our intentions, purify our hearts, and sacrifice that which stands between us and our Lord. Let us greet this Eid with taqwa (God-consciousness), humility, and love.
