As a child, Eid al-Adha was such a morning when you could sense something in the air even before you opened your eyes.
The odor of food already emanating from the kitchen. Your mom saying you should get up and take a shower before everybody else wants to use the bathroom. Your father is already dressed, seeing the time, to be sure the family gets to prayer. And that sentiment–that particular, indescribable sentiment–that this is no ordinary day.
In case you are not a Muslim and you have always wondered what is this holiday all about, I would like to describe it to you in a way that I would describe it to a dear friend. No lecture. No jargon overload. The real story behind it.
It All Comes Down to One Story.
All concerning Eid al-Adha, all the prayers, all the sacrifices, all the “Eid Mubarak” of strangers, all this is a reflection of one man, one moment.
Allah appeared to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in a dream. He was instructed to sacrifice his son, Ismail.
Not his wealth. Not his comfort. His son.
And here is that which continually irritates me–Ibrahim did not choke. He did not attempt to justify his position. He visited Ismail and informed him directly: “This is what Allah has requested of me”.
And that conversation would break most fathers asunder. But Ibrahim had it. And Ismail–this youth–turned and spoke to his father, and has spoken thus in the history of Islam since then:
“Do what you’ve been commanded, Father. You will find me, if Allah wills, among the patient.”
A son bequeathing the word go ahead to his father. Since Allah said so.
Ibrahim was ready to execute it. And just as he was going, Allah halted him. I have finished the test, he told Ibrahim. His faith had been proven beyond any doubt. And Allah sent a ram to be sacrificed in Ismail’s place.
It is that point, that very point that Muslims celebrate every year on Eid al-Adha.
Why Do Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Adha?
I believe that this puzzles people at times. There’s sacrifice involved. Animals are slaughtered. It sounds heavy. Why then is it a feast?
Since the entire narrative is relieved. In reward. In Allah rewarding a man who gave all his, and gave it back.
When Muslims feast on Eid al-Adha, they are not lamenting sacrifice, they are rejoicing in the image of faith at its fullest. They are saying: we recall what Ibrahim had done and we would like to continue that essence in our lives.
It is also beautiful in the kindness that is threaded through this day. The Qurbani – the animal sacrifice – is not a ceremony that is carried out in secrecy. The meat is cut into parts of three. A third to your family. One-third to your friends and neighbors. A third to those who can not afford it.
On this day, it is just as straightforward as no one should be left without.
And there is an international aspect of it as well. Eid al-Adha is the culmination of Hajj – pilgrimage to Makkah. As millions of pilgrims are undergoing one of the most intense spiritual journeys in their lives, Muslims around the globe are partying with them. It has a feeling of -we are in this together despite oceans apart.
What Does the Morning Like?
I will draw you a picture.
It’s early. Earlier than you’d normally get up on a day off. However, no one is complaining, as the house has energy. You bathe, ghusl, a complete ritual bath, dress yourself in the best clothes (new, preferably), and go out.
The Eid prayer is commonly conducted in a big open field or big mosque. And, frankly, when you have never seen thousands of people praying in the morning in rows outside–it is one of those things that you remember. It has some stillness about it. Collective purpose.
Following the prayer is the sermon, and then the people simply – come to life. Hugs everywhere. “Eid Mubarak! Shouted over parking lots. Grandmother’s grabbing faces. Children are already wondering when the meal is to be served.
Then Qurbani happens. The sacrifice of the animal is done carefully and deliberately, according to the correct Islamic requirements. Preparation and distribution of the meat. Other families are busy the entire afternoon distributing portions to neighbors, to the mosque, to families they know are in need.
The remainder of the day? Visiting. Eating. More visiting. More eating. Continue until you are barely able to move.
The Days Before Eid Matter Too.
Many people do not know that the build-up to Eid al-Adha is almost as spiritual as the day itself.
The 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are regarded as some of the most precious days of the whole year. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) explained that good acts on these days are more desirable to Allah than any other day (Sahih al-Bukhari, 969). That entails such things as additional prayer, charity, being more mindful of Allah.
The day right before Eid is called the Day of Arafah. Fasting on the Hajj day is among the best things that are highly encouraged for Muslims who are not on Hajj. The Prophet (SAW) said it wipes out the sins of the past year and the coming year (Sahih Muslim, 1162). One day of fasting. Two years of sins erased. Majority of Muslims do not give it a second thought.
It is also a habit not to cut your hair or nails since the beginning of Dhul Hijjah till after Qurbani. It is a little detail, but it makes you get into a sort of religious state of mind– a state of a spiritually set-apart condition.
And then There is Hajj.
You really cannot comprehend Eid al-Adha without knowing about Hajj. The two cannot be separated.
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. All Muslims who are physically fit and financially endowed are obliged to visit Makkah at least once in their lifetime. If you can do it, it’s not optional. In the Quran Allah says: “And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who are able to undertake the journey.” (Quran 3:97). (Quran 3:97)
It is held in five days. The pilgrims are taken to the sacred places of Mina, Arafah, Muzdalifah, Makkah, carrying out the rites that date back to the days of Ibrahim himself.
The climax of it is the Day of Arafah. Millions of individuals on a plain lifting their hands praying to Allah to forgive and have mercy. The Prophet (SAW) explained the whole Hajj within three words: Hajj is Arafah. (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3015)
And before any of it is started, all pilgrims put on ihram, simple white clothing, two pieces of unstitched cloth. No brands. No jewelry. There is no apparent distinction between a billionaire and a street cleaner. They are all alike. They all stand the same. That picture speaks volumes on what Islam is attempting to convey equality.
To those who fulfill it in good faith, the Prophet (SAW) assured them that they would be free of their sins forever – coming out cleaner than when they were born (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1521).
Also read about: what does Aid ul Adha celebrate
What Qurbani Is All About.
This is what I would like people to know about Qurbani, as it is sometimes misrepresented.
It’s not about the blood. It is not some premodern ritual that people adhere to. Allah says this directly in the Quran- the meat or blood does not reach Him. What is acceptable to Him is the taqwa – the sincerity, the intention, the God-consciousness of the act (Quran 22:37).
Qurbani is actually a self-question that you pose every year: what can I sacrifice to Allah?
Ibrahim was asked to give up his son. That is something we all will never ever encounter, period. But taking something which is worth having, and giving it out in place of worship is the reminder of the fact that there is nothing that we really possess. Wholesomely, our money, our health, our families, our time, all are borrowed. It is all a trust.
Thoughts like that can either cripple you or liberate you, depending upon how you carry them.
Also read about: Dua before Eid ul Adha
The Bottom Line
This is the type of holiday that becomes more enriched with each year that you celebrate Eid al-Adha.
As a kid it is about the new clothes and the food and staying up late in the houses of relatives. As you become older the burden of what Ibrahim actually did comes down on you. And somewhere down the line you find that the entire purpose of this day is whether you have that kind of faith. Whether, when Allah demands of you, your time, your money, your pride, your comfort, you can answer in the affirmative without trembling.
It is what this celebration is all about.
When a Muslim tells you Eid Mubarak, be it as a Muslim or otherwise, you know there is something behind it that is real. A tale thousands of years long. A religion tested and true. And a prompt to remember that the things you want to keep the most are the ones you can give up to achieve something bigger.
FAQs
What is the reason why Muslims commemorate Eid al-Adha?
It is, in its essence, the respect of the religion and submission of Ibrahim to Allah, the readiness to give up what he loved the most. It is also about giving, doing Qurbani and uniting as a community. It is a day of thankfulness as well as anything.
Who started Eid al-Adha?
It was instituted by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Islam, basing it on the practice of Ibrahim (AS), and validating its practices upon arriving in Madinah (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3127).
What’s the point of Qurbani?
It is something of worship – to sacrifice something valuable in the name of Allah, as Ibrahim was ready to do. The motive is much more important than the deed itself.
Are you obliged to fast on the Day of Arafah?
It is not compulsory, but the reward is huge, the Prophet (SAW) declared that it will forgive two years of sins (Sahih Muslim, 1162). The majority of Muslims who are not on Hajj do not give a second thought to the fasting of that day.
Is it possible to celebrate Hajj by Muslims who are not doing Hajj?
Absolutely. Eid el Adha is a part of all Muslims and not just pilgrims. You observe it at home, in prayer, Qurbani, family and by ensuring that the people surrounding you are well taken care of.
Which animals are Qurbani?
Sheep, goats, cows, buffaloes or camels – whatever they fulfill the age and health requirements stipulated in the Sunnah. Both are certain in their needs and it is done with thoughtfulness and the correct intention.