By Sama Marwan,
Eid al-Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the two major Islamic holidays celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Far from being merely a tradition, it is a profound blessing from God to Muslims, embodying deep spiritual significance, a rich history, and timeless wisdom. It is a time of immense joy, reflection, and community, rooted in divine guidance and prophetic practice.
A Divine Blessing and a Testament to Faith
Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) unwavering faith and obedience to God’s command to sacrifice his beloved son, Isma’il (Ishmael). Just as Ibrahim was about to perform the sacrifice, God intervened, replacing Isma’il with a ram. This act was not about demanding a life, but about testing the purity and strength of Ibrahim’s submission.
For Muslims, this narrative highlights several divine blessings:
The Mercy of God: It demonstrates God’s infinite mercy and compassion, as He does not burden a soul beyond its capacity and always provides a way out for His obedient servants.
The Path of Submission: It teaches the ultimate lesson of submission to God’s will, recognizing that true faith lies in absolute trust and obedience, even when commands seem incomprehensible.
Divine Provision: It underscores God’s role as the ultimate Provider, who replaces what is sacrificed for His sake with something better.
The Eid itself is a blessing as it brings Muslims together in celebration, thanksgiving, and remembrance of God’s bounties. It encourages gratitude for the blessings of Islam and the guidance received.
The Divine Perspective on Sacrifice (Qurbani)
The act of sacrificing an animal (Qurbani) during Eid al-Adha is a central pillar of the celebration and holds immense divine significance. It is not about the blood or the meat reaching God, as the Quran clearly states: “Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you.” (Quran 22:37)
The divine perspective on Qurbani is multifaceted:
Symbol of Piety and Submission: The sacrifice is a symbolic act of devotion, a physical manifestation of a believer’s willingness to give up something beloved for the sake of God. It signifies inner submission and a desire to draw closer to the Creator.
Reviving the Sunnah of Ibrahim: It is a revival of the tradition (Sunnah) of Prophet Ibrahim, a practice established by God to be observed by generations to come. It connects Muslims across time to this monumental act of faith.
Gratitude for Blessings: It is an expression of gratitude to God for His countless blessings, including the blessing of life, sustenance, and guidance.
Social Justice and Compassion: A crucial aspect of Qurbani is the distribution of the meat. It is traditionally divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and neighbors, and one for the poor and needy. This practice1 emphasizes compassion, solidarity, and addressing the needs of the less fortunate, ensuring that the joy of Eid reaches all segments of society, regardless of their economic status. It is a practical application of Islamic principles of charity and social responsibility.
Purification and Spiritual Growth: The act of sacrifice, when performed with sincerity and devotion, is believed to purify the individual and enhance their spiritual growth.
The Joy of Eid and its Sunnah (Prophetic Traditions)
The joy of Eid al-Adha is palpable and deeply rooted in Islamic teachings. It is a time of profound happiness, shared with family, friends, and the wider community. This joy is not just superficial merriment, but a spiritual delight derived from fulfilling a divine command and experiencing communal solidarity.
The Sunnah (practices of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) associated with Eid al-Adha further enhance its spirit and embody its blessings:
Ghusl (Ritual Bath) and Best Clothes: Muslims are encouraged to take a bath and wear their finest clothes before heading to the Eid prayer. This symbolizes spiritual and physical cleanliness and the importance of presenting oneself well for a joyous occasion.
Going to the Eid Prayer: Performing the special Eid prayer in congregation is a central Sunnah. It is usually held in large open spaces or mosques, bringing together the community in worship and unity.
Takbirat al-Eid: Reciting “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lillahil Hamd” (God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, there is no god but God, and God is the Greatest, God is the Greatest, and to2 God belongs all praise) is a beloved Sunnah throughout the days of Eid, especially on the way to the prayer.
Eating after the Prayer: Unlike Eid al-Fitr where one eats before the prayer, for Eid al-Adha, it is Sunnah to eat from the meat of the sacrifice after the prayer, if possible.
Visiting Relatives and Friends: Fostering kinship ties (Silat al-Rahim) is highly encouraged. Visiting family, friends, and neighbors strengthens social bonds and spreads happiness.
Giving Gifts and Charity: Exchanging gifts, especially with children, and giving charity (Sadaqah) are encouraged to share the blessings of Eid and ensure everyone can partake in the festivities.
Slaughtering the Sacrifice: For those who can afford it, performing the Qurbani is a significant Sunnah, typically done after the Eid prayer and within the days of Tashreeq (the days following Eid al-Adha).
In essence, Eid al-Adha is a magnificent demonstration of faith, compassion, and communal harmony. It is a cherished time when Muslims around the world unite in worship, gratitude, and celebration, reinforcing their connection to God and to each other. It is truly a divine blessing, reminding believers of the profound wisdom behind God’s commands and the immense joy found in obedience and shared prosperity.
