Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the most important religious holidays in the Islamic calendar. It is celebrated by Muslims all over the world to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah (God).
The festival falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar. The date of Eid al-Adha varies each year as it is based on the lunar calendar. This year, Eid al-Adha is expected to be celebrated on July 20th, 2021.
The significance of Eid al-Adha lies in the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son Ismail. Ibrahim was a devoted follower of Allah and was willing to do anything to please Him. As he was about to carry out the sacrifice, Allah intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed instead of Ismail. This act of obedience and faith is celebrated by Muslims around the world on Eid al-Adha.
The day of Eid al-Adha begins with Muslims waking up early in the morning to perform the Eid prayer, which is typically held in large open spaces such as parks or mosques. The prayer is led by an imam and consists of two rakats (units of prayer) followed by a sermon.
After the prayer, Muslims greet each other with the traditional greeting of "Eid Mubarak," which means "Blessed Eid." They then return home to enjoy a feast with family and friends. The feast typically includes meat from the sacrificed animal, which is divided into three parts - one third for the family, one third for friends and relatives, and one third for the poor and needy.
The act of sacrificing an animal is an important part of Eid al-Adha. Muslims who can afford it are encouraged to sacrifice a goat, sheep, cow, or camel as a symbol of their willingness to make sacrifices for Allah. The meat from the sacrificed animal is then distributed to those in need, including the poor, orphans, and widows.
Eid al-Adha is also a time for Muslims to reflect on the importance of sacrifice and obedience to Allah. It is a reminder that we should be willing to make sacrifices in our own lives in order to please Allah and follow His commands.
In addition to the religious significance of Eid al-Adha, it is also a time for Muslims to come together and celebrate with their families and communities. Many Muslims take time off from work or school to spend time with their loved ones and participate in festive activities such as shopping, decorating their homes, and preparing special meals.
In some countries, Eid al-Adha is celebrated over a period of several days. In Saudi Arabia, for example, the festival lasts for four days, during which time many businesses and government offices are closed.
Overall, Eid al-Adha is a time for Muslims to come together in celebration of their faith and to reflect on the importance of sacrifice and obedience to Allah. It is a time for families and communities to come together and share in the joy of the festival, and for Muslims to remember the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of Allah.
التصنيف :
Religion