Every Muslim loves the day of Eid. It is a day of happiness and joy. Whether it is the atmosphere of the Eid-gah, the Eid treats or the family coming together, Eid means something special to young and old. For one moment let us stop and read the true meaning of Eid from an Islamic point of view.
Eid ul Adha is a three day celebration, which occurs on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah
Eid is a happy time and the festival is celebrated in many different ways in different countries.
Everyone wears new clothes – in bright colours – and many have beautiful embroidery and shiny sequins.
WHAT IS EID-UL-ADHA?
Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى), also called the “Sacrifice Feast”, is the second of two Muslim holidays celebrated worldwide each year, and considered the holier of the two. It honors the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, as an act of submission to God’s command. Before he sacrificed his son God intervened by sending his angel Jibra’il (Gabriel), who then put a sheep in his son’s place. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: the family retains one third of the share; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors; and the remaining third is given to the poor and needy.
In the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and lasts for four days until the 13th day.In the international (Gregorian) calendar, the dates vary from year to year drifting approximately 11 days earlier each year.
- Eid-ul-Adha is the celebration of sacrifice and marks the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
- This celebration is to remember Prophet Ibrahim who was very obedient to God and was ready to sacrifice his most precious possession when he was asked to sacrifice everything for Allah, including the life of his son Ishmael. Ibrahim was very patient and in constant search for truth.
- Muslims all over the world reflect on these qualities in their lives at this time of the year.
Eid al-Adha is the latter of the two Eid holidays, the former being Eid al-Fitr. The word “Eid” appears once in Al-Ma’ida, the fifth sura of the Quran, with the meaning “solemn festival”.
Why do Muslims sacrifice an animal on this day?
- During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Ibrahim’s trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.
- Allah (God) has given Muslims the power over animals and allowed them to eat meat, but only if they pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, they are reminded that life is sacred.
- The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes their willingness to give up things that are of benefit to them or close to their hearts, in order to follow Allah’s commands. It also symbolizes their willingness to give up some of their own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. They recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and they should open their hearts and share with others.
WHAT DO MUSLIMS DO TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY?
• On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosques.
•Prayers are followed by visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts. At some point, members of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise will make arrangements for the slaughter of an animal.
•The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter.
Delicious Food to Share with Others
- Lamb Biryani
- Burfi
- Jalebis
- Pakoras
- Samoosas
Women and young girls like to decorate their hands with beautiful patterns using mendhi (henna).
Eid prayers
Devotees offer the Eid al-Adha prayers at the mosque.
Who must attend
- According to some fiqh (traditional Islamic law) (although there is some disagreement).
- Men should go to mosque—or an Eidgah (a field where eid prayer held)—to perform eid prayer; Salat al-Eid is Wajib according to Hanafi. Sunnah al-Mu’kkadah according to Maliki and Shafi’i jurisprudence. Women are also highly encouraged to attend, although it is not compulsory. Menstruating women do not participate in the formal prayer, but should be present to witness the goodness and the gathering of the Muslims.
- Residents, which excludes travellers.
- Those in good health.
- Eid prayers are Mustahab (recommended) according to Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. However, they are wajib (obligatory) only in the time when the Mahdi and Jesus return.
When is it performed
The Eid al-Adha prayer is performed any time after the sun completely rises up to just before the entering of Zuhr time, on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah. In the event of a force majeure (e.g. natural disaster), the prayer may be delayed to the 11th of Dhu al-Hijjah and then to the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
The Sunnah of preparation
In keeping with the sunnah of Muhammad, Muslims are encouraged to prepare themselves for the occasion of Eid. Below is a list of things Muslims are recommended to do in preparation for the Eid al-Adha festival:
- Make wudu (ablution) and offer Salat al-Fajr (the pre-sunrise prayer).
- Prepare for personal cleanliness—take care of details of clothing, etc.
- Dress up, putting on new or best clothes available.
Rites of the Eid prayers
The scholars differed concerning the ruling on Eid prayers. There are three scholarly points of view:
- That Eid prayer is Fard Kifaya (communal obligation). This is the view of Abu Hanifa.
- That it is Sunna Mu’akkada (recommended). This is the view of Malik ibn Anas and Al-Shafi‘i.
- That it is Wajib on all Muslim men (a duty for each Muslim and is obligatory for men); those who do not do it
- without an excuse are considered sinners. This is the view of Ahmad ibn Hanbal, and was also narrated from Abu Hanifa.
Eid prayers must be offered in congregation. Participation of women in the prayer congregation varies from community to community. It consists of two rakats (units) with seven takbirs in the first Raka’ah and five Takbirs in the second Raka’ah. For Sunni Muslims, Salat al-Eid differs from the five daily canonical prayers in that no adhan (call to prayer) or iqama (call) is pronounced for the two Eid prayers. The salat (prayer) is then followed by the khutbah, or sermon, by the Imam.
At the conclusion of the prayers and sermon, Muslims embrace and exchange greetings with one other (Eid Mubarak), give gifts (Eidi) to children, and visit one another. Many Muslims also take this opportunity to invite their non-Muslim friends, neighbours, co-workers and classmates to their Eid festivities to better acquaint them about Islam and Muslim culture.
The l-hamdu (praise with lip) and other rites
The l-hamdu is recited from the dawn of the ninth of Dhu al-Hijjah to the thirteenth, and consists of:
Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar الله أكبر الله أكبر
lā ilāha illā-Allāh لا إله إلا الله
Wallāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar والله أكبر الله أكبر
walillāhi l-ḥamdu ولله الحمد
Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest,
There is no god but Allah
Allah is greatest, Allah is greatest
and to Allah goes all praise.
Multiple variations of this recitation exist across the Muslim world.
Eid Al-Adha Wishes SMS
Below i have added some wishes for SMS that you can copy right now on your device and send to your friends and family members from your cell phone via Massage.
- May the day delight, And the moments measure all the special joys, For all of you to treasure,
May the year ahead, Be fruitful too, For your home and family, And specially for you, Eid Mubarak!
- Wishing A Very Happy Eid Mubarak To You And All The Muslim Brothers Around The World Both Here And In Far Flung Places. The Peace And Grace Of Allah Rest Upon Your Shoulders And Bring You A Contended And Very Happy Eid.
- SENDING YOU WARM WISHES ON EID AND WISHING THAT IT BRINGS YOUR WAY EVER JOYS AND HAPPINESS. REMEMBER ME IN YOUR PRAYERS. IN EVERY SHARED SMILE AND LAUGHTER; IN EVERY SILENT PRAYER ANSWERED; IN EVERY OPPORTUNITY THAT COMES YOUR WAY – MAY ALLAH BLESS YOU IMMENSELY! EID MUBARAK
- Together with friends… Full of warmth and fun… Here’s wishing your Eid celebration is truly a special one! Eid Mubarak!
- May this Eid bring a lot of fun and happiness, With endless blessings from God, Who enlightens you with knowledge. Bakrid wishes to you and your family
This information will help you to share your friend and family on social media. Don’t Forget below comment. Enjoy Eid al-Adha….!!