Eid-al-Adha is a three-day religious holiday observed by Muslims all around the globe to commemorate Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S)’s willingness to slaughter Ismael (A.S) in the name of Allah.
It is commemorated that Abraham sacrificed his first son, Ism’l (R.A) (Ishmael), to worship God, but Allah interrupted and replaced him with an animal to slaughter instead.
Qurbani is named for the ritual of slaughtering a farm creature in the name of Allah, but it also serves to bring us closer to God. Let us examine the examples of ‘Qurbani’ offered by the Prophets in the religious text of the Quran.
First, there is the account of Prophet Adam, who ordered his two sons, Habil and Qabil, to offer sacrifices in Allah’s name to settle a dispute between them. The winner would be whoever’s sacrifice was approved.
While Habil sacrificed a fully grown and healthy ram (animal), Qabil refused to provide his finest. As a result, Habil’s offering rose to heaven, making him the victor.
According to the tale, the most significant aspect of the Qurbani is sincerity and purity of intention.
“And tell them the narrative of Adam’s two sons when they both submitted a sacrifice [to Allah], and one was accepted but not the other. “I will certainly murder you,” said [the latter]. “Indeed, Allah accepts only from the upright [who fear Him],” said [the former]. ” (Quran 5:27 )
The second tale’s subjects are the Prophet Abraham and his son Ismail. It is thought that Allah pushed Prophet Ibrahim to demonstrate his confidence in him, and as a gesture of loyalty, he was willing to give up his 13-year-old son Ismael.
But, before Abraham could slaughter his son in the name of Allah, God interrupted by sending his angel Jibreel (Gabriel), who substituted his son with a ram.
Since then, Muslim households worldwide have sacrificed livestock animals on Eid al-Adha to commemorate the supernatural intervention.
“You have fulfilled the vision.” Indeed, We reward those who do well”. (Quran 37:105)
Versus About Eid Ul Adha
Surah e Maida verse 114 has the term “Eid,” which means “solemn holiday.” al Maida, verse 114 of Al Maida, Eid “O Allah, our Lord!” said Jesus, the son of Mary.
Send us from heaven a table prepared (with viands), that there may be a solemn celebration (Eid) and a sign from thee for us – for the first and last of us – and supply for our nourishment, for thou art the most outstanding Sustainer (of our needs).”
(Surah e Maida verse 114)
Also Read: Facts About Eid Ul Adha
The Foundation of Eid Ul Adha
Eid ul Adha is based on the following passage from the Holy Quran:
“And finish the Hajj and ‘umrah for Allah.” However, if you are stopped, [offer] what may be gotten with the convenience of sacrificial animals, and don’t shave your hair or beard until the sacrificial animal has arrived at the slaughterhouse.
Therefore, whoever is ill or has a head sickness [requiring shaving] must pay a price of fasting [three days], alms, or sacrifice. And after you are safe, whoever does ‘umrah [during the Hajj months] accompanied by Hajj [offers] what may be gained with the ease of sacrificial animals].
And whoever cannot obtain [or afford quite an animal] – a three-day fast during Hajj and a seven-day fast when you return [home]. Those are 10 full [days].
This is for those whose loved ones do not reside near al-Masjid al-Haram. And dread Allah, knowing that Allah is harsh in punishment.”
(Verse 196 of Surat Al-Baqarah)
The Origins of the Magnificent Feast, Eid-ul-Adha
The origins of Eid-ul-Adha are traced back to the loyal Hazrat Ibraheem (A.S). Allah directed him in a dream to lay the foundations for the holy Kaaba, a black stone that is the most revered Muslim shrine in Mecca.
Responding immediately to the Lord’s summons, Hazrat Ibraheem (A.S) headed out for Mecca with his wife and son, Ishmael.
Hazrat Ibraheem (A.S) had to overcome several obstacles on his journey. He supplicated Allah’s commandments, however, without complaint. He also saw himself slaughtering his son Ishmael for Allah’s cause in a supernatural dream.
When he told Ishmael, he quickly requested his father follow the Lord’s commandments without hesitation. Abraham couldn’t stand the thought of his son dying, so he covered his eyes with a cloth.
When he cut Ishmael’s neck and removed the blindfold, he was amazed to see how much Ishmael was uninjured; instead, he discovered a dead lamb that had been slain, which Abraham eventually sacrificed.
In the honor of Prophet Abraham’s (R.A) divine deed of slaughtering his own only son (Qurbani), people slaughter a goal, lamb, ram, or any other animal on Eid-ul-Adha and distribute the flesh among friends, family, relative, neighbors, and the poor.
People not participating in the holy pilgrimage, Hajj, also perform this traditional sacrifice.
Surah e AS-SAAFFAT Mentions This
“My Lord!” “Grant me a just (son)!” So we delivered him the pleasant news of a boy with patience. And when (his son) was big enough to walk and labor beside him, Abraham said, “O my darling son, I see in vision that I offer you in sacrifice:
Now see what your point of view is!” “O, my father!” said (the son). Do what you are told; if Allah wills, you will find me exercising patience and constancy!” So when they both succumbed, and he flung him down on his forehead, We said to him, “O Ibrahim!” You have fulfilled the vision; We surely reward people who do good in this way.
Indeed, this was the case. And We held for ransom him with a significant sacrifice. And We passed on (praise) to subsequent generations. “Peace and greetings to Abraham!” We do certainly reward people who do the right thing. He had to be one of Our faithful slaves.
(Verses 100-111 Of As-Saaffat)
“And We told him about Is-haaq, a prophet from among righteous.” (Surah E As-Saaffat 112)
Abraham had demonstrated that his love for God was more significant than all others, laying down his own life and the lives of those closest to him in obedience to God’s mandate.
Every year on Eid al-Adha, Muslims celebrate this ultimate expression of sacrifice.
Thousands of people buy sacrificial victims, primarily sheep and goats, and slaughter them in remembrance of Abraham’s sacrifice of his beloved son
After the sacrifice, it is customary to have the head ritually shaven or the hair trimmed short. The Quran mentions this hajj feast:
Do Not Shave Heads Until Eid
And complete the journey and visit Allah. Still, if you are prevented from doing so, (send) whatever offering is easily obtained, and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches its destination.
Still, whoever among you is ill or has a head illness, he (should effect) a compensation by fasting or alms or sacrificing, and then when you are healthy, whoever profits by combining the visit with the pilgrimage (should take) whatever offering is easily obtained; but he who could indeed discover (any portfolio) should fast for three days during the pilgrimage and for seven days when you come back; these (make) ten (days) complete; this is for him whose family is (evil). (Quran 2:96)
Prayers for Eid
According to Islamic law, men (who live in a specific location) are required to give Eid prayers, although women are not required to do so. The Eid al-Adha prayer is recited anytime after sunrise before the hour of Zuhr on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
Muslims are advised to be ready for the occasion of Eid Al-Adha following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). They must do wudu (ablution) and offer the prayer of fajr before daybreak. They are also urged to dress appropriately and to maintain their hygiene.
The Eid ul Adha Spirit
The essence of Eid ul Adha is directly proportional to the number of sacrifices made previous to it. In other words, spending our time with loved ones, and money in the name of Allah results in self-satisfaction and a joyful Eid.
As a result, even if we do not exert as much work as we should throughout Ramadan, what little we do influences ourselves and helps us feel worthy of celebration when Eid al Adha arrives. The essence of Eid ul Adha should be to assist those unable to provide Qurbani (sacrifice), so they can also rejoice on this Eid.
