Eid Ul Adha
Eid al-Adha falls under Dhu al-Hijjah, which is the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, and is a very sacred month in the year. Muslims across the globe celebrate Eid al-Adha on the tenth day of the month, which changes each year. This year Eid al-Adha will take place on either 11th/12th of August. This depends on the sighting of the moon of Dhul Hijjah.
Why is Eid-Al-Adha Important?
Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was commanded by Allah to to sacrifice his son Ismail. Without thinking twice about his love for his son, Prophet Ibrahim remained obedient to Allah and took his son to Mount Moriah.
Shaitaan (The Devil/Satan) tried to tempt Prophet Ibrahim to not obey to Allah’s command. However, Prophet Ibrahim being the obedient and faithful Prophet that he was throwing pebbles at Shaitaan. In memory of this act of rejection towards Shaitaan, stones are now thrown at symbolic pillars during Jamraat (Stoning of the Devil) during Hajj rites.
An Angel stopped him just as he was about to make the sacrifice and gave him a lamb to sacrifice instead. Christians and Jews believe that in fact it was Ishaaq that was being sacrificed. A lot of Muslims sacrifice animals to reflect the sacrifice of Abraham, and the meat is then divided into three parts – for their family, for relatives and friends, and for the poor and needy.
How is Eid Spent?
The Eid prayer for Eid al-Adha can be done at any time once the sun has completely risen, but before the Dhuhr prayer at noon.
Like Eid Ul Fitr, the occasion is celebrated by greeting each other by saying Eid Mubarak, visiting family, exchanging gifts and sharing food.
Here are a couple of authentic hadith associated with Eid ul Adha:
From: Sunan Ibn Majah. Chapter 7, The Chapters of Establishing the Prayer and the Sunnah Regarding Them
Narrated/Authority of Ibn Abbas
"The Messenger of Allah (saw) used to have a bath on the day of Fitr and the day of Adha." Sahih
From: Sunan Ibn Majah. Chapter 29, The Chapters on Sacrifices
Narrated/Authority of Ibn Abbas
"We were with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) on a journey, and the (day of) Al-Adha came. We (sacrificed) one camel on behalf of ten (people) and one cow on behalf of seven."
Thank you for reading our blog. We hope you and your families have a lovely Eid filled with love and joy.
Eid Mubarak