This year, Eid ul Adha 2023 will start on the evening of Jun 28 (Wednesday), one of the most important holidays in Islam. When you read Quran it is clearly mention that there are two Eids (Celebration Festivals) in Islam. Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha. Eid ul Fitr is celebrated at the completion of Ramadan month. Eid up Adha serves as the final and most significant event of the Hajj pilgrimage.
Eid ul Azha or the Festival of Sacrifice, holds profound importance in Islam, reflecting the following key aspects:
- Islamic festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah.
- Symbolizes devotion, faith, and submission to Allah.
- Reinforces the values of sacrifice, generosity, and sharing with the less fortunate.
- Highlights unity and communal celebration within the Muslim community because it creates brotherhood
- Provides an opportunity for Muslims to strengthen family bonds and gather for prayers and feasts.
- Promotes acts of charity and compassion towards others.
- Emphasizes gratitude and thanksgiving for blessings.
- Encourages reflection on the significance of Prophet Ibrahim’s story and its lessons.
Celebration of Eid ul Adha 2023
Eid al-Adha also known as the Feast of Sacrifice is the second and the largest of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam. This joyous occasion holds great religious and cultural significance because it brings together families, communities, and believers in celebration and acts of worship.
Eid ul Adha in Islam
This Eid is important for Muslims for two main reasons. Firstly, it serves the completion of the annual Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj because it is a fundamental pillar of Islam. Secondly, it commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) to sacrifice his son. As Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) was about to carry out the sacrifice, Allah replaced his son, Hazrat Ismail (PBUH), with a ram. This divine command was a test, which Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) successfully passed, demonstrating his obedience to God.
Depending on the country, the celebration of Eid ul Adha lasts anywhere from 3-4 days and perform various ritual.
1. Preparation and Festive Atmosphere
Leading up to Eid ul-Adha, Muslims engage in various preparations and acts of worship. They clean their homes, dress in new clothes, and adorn themselves with henna. Communities come alive with vibrant decorations, bustling markets, and a sense of anticipation for the upcoming celebrations.
2. Takbeer Eid ul Ddha
Takbeer is often chanted aloud by Muslims as an expression of joy, gratitude, and glorification of Allah during the days of Eid ul Adha. Muslims recite
- Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,
- La ilaha illallah,
- Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,
- Wa lillahi al-hamd.
It usually happens in the mosque, and Muslims listen to the sermon (khutba). The sermon may include reflections on the significance of Eid ul Adha, the story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his son, lessons from their sacrifice, and the importance of charity and sharing, leading to the strengthening of the communities.
3. Morning Prayer
After praying Fajar, Muslims wait for the Eid prayer, which is prayed in the mosque. This prayer is sunnah and is prayed twice a year on Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha. After that Muslims greet each other and wish “Eid Mubarak’’.
4. Act of Sacrifice
The sacrifice of an animal is obligatory for every Muslim on Eid especially those who can afford it. This should be done in the first 3 days of Eid. It is recommended to sacrifice a healthy halal animal that Allah has ordered including sheep, goat, cow, or camel. This act of sacrifice is performed to remind us of Prophet Ibrahim Qurbani.
5. Distribution of Meat
After animal sacrifice, the meat is distributed because it is an obligatory act. Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) used to distribute a third to the people of his household, a third to the poor of his neighbours, and a third to give in charity.
Sunnahs of Eid ul Adha
- Performing Ghusl (ritual bathing): It is recommended to take a bath before going for the Eid prayer as it signifies purification.
- Wearing one’s best attire: Muslims are encouraged to dress in their finest clothes on the day of Eid as a sign of joy and celebration.
- Eating before the Eid prayer: Our religion also recommends us to eat a small meal, preferably dates, before attending the Eid prayer to avoid praying on an empty stomach.
- Offering the Eid prayer: Muslims should attend the congregational Eid prayer, which consists of two units (rak’at) and is performed in an open area or mosque. The prayer is led by an Imam and includes specific Takbeer (proclamations) that are recited.
- Reciting the Takbeer: It is a Sunnah to recite the Takbeer
- Giving Sadaqah (charity): Muslims are encouraged to give voluntary charity (Sadaqah) during Eid ul Adha as an act of gratitude and to help those in need.
- Visiting family and friends: It is a Sunnah to visit family, friends, and neighbours during Eid ul Adha to strengthen relationships and spread joy.
- Expressing greetings: We should also exchange greetings of “Eid Mubarak” or “Blessed Eid” with one another as an expression of joy and unity.
FAQS
What is Eid ul Adha meaning in Islam?
The meaning of Eid al-Adha is the Feast of Sacrifice.
Can we give Fitrana on Eid ul Adha?
Zakat-ul-Fitr, also known as “Fitrana” or “Sadaqat-ul-Fitr,” is an obligatory form of charity given by Muslims at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is not given on EId ul Adha.
Can we give Zakat on Eid?
Yes, you can give zakat at any time of the year.
Can we fast on Eid ul Adha?
A lot of people fast on Eid ul Adha till the sacrificed meat is orally consumed. However, there is no authentic narration supporting that. Islam forbids us to fast on Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha.
Hazrat Abu ‘Ubaid said ‘’Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade fasting on these two days. The day of al-Fitr is the day when you break your fast, and on the day of al-Adha, eat the meat of your sacrifices.‘’
[Sahih Muslim 1137]
