Eid ul-Adha Mubarak! - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Eid ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the two major Islamic holidays celebrated by Muslims around the world. It honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
- 2. The holiday falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and lasts for four days. It marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which all Muslims who are physically and financially able are required to perform at least once in their lifetime.
- 3. One of the main rituals of Eid ul-Adha is the sacrifice of an animal, such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, in commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one-third is given to the poor and needy, one-third is shared with relatives and friends, and one-third is kept for the family.
- 4. Muslims start their day with a special Eid prayer at the mosque, where they listen to a sermon and offer prayers for forgiveness, peace, and prosperity. After the prayer, they greet each other with "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Eid) and exchange gifts and sweets.
- 5. In many Muslim-majority countries, Eid ul-Adha is a public holiday, and celebrations include communal feasts, charity events, and cultural performances. Families and friends come together to share meals, exchange gifts, and visit each other's homes.
- 6. During Eid ul-Adha, Muslims are encouraged to perform acts of charity and kindness, such as feeding the hungry, visiting the sick and elderly, and helping those in need. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and solidarity with the less fortunate.
- 7. In addition to the sacrifice of animals, Muslims are also encouraged to make a financial contribution to charity, known as "Qurbani", during Eid ul-Adha. This donation is used to provide food, shelter, and other necessities to those in need, both locally and globally.
- 8. Eid ul-Adha is a time for Muslims to strengthen their faith, renew their commitment to God, and seek forgiveness for any past sins. It is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and devotion to the teachings of Islam.
- 9. The significance of Eid ul-Adha lies in its message of sacrifice, obedience, and faith in God. It reminds Muslims of the importance of putting their trust in God, following His commands, and serving humanity with compassion and generosity.
- 10. As Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Adha, they reflect on the lessons of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice everything for the sake of God. It is a time to reaffirm their faith, strengthen their bonds with family and community, and strive to live a life of righteousness and devotion to God.