Eid-ul-Azha: Importance and History
Eid ul Azha:
A Day Not Only to Sacrifice Animals but Also to Promote Moral Standards and
Spread Joy to Those In Need
Main
Points:
1. Eid-ul-Azha
is a very meaningful and memorable day, and the Holy Prophet (peace be upon
him) has emphasised that the prayers on this day will be accepted.
2. This day is
known as the best day of the year because so many acts of worship are performed
together.
3. Eid-ul-Azha
provides Muslims with a perfect opportunity to contemplate deeply the plight of
the poor and cultivate a sense of generosity toward them.
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By
Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam
9 July 2022
The Muslim
world as a whole observes Eid-ul-Azha, (aka Eid-e-Qurban and Baqraid), one of
the two most important Eids in Islam, on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah. Eid-ul-Adha
began in 624 AD. The inception of Eid-ul-Azha is a reflection of the Prophet's
intention to foster societal harmony, cultural celebration, and a sense of
patriotism and solidarity. In accordance with a Hadith narrated by Abu Dawud,
the holy Prophet (PBUH) felt strongly about the necessity for a feast upon his
arrival in the city of Madinah to encourage unity, charity, brotherhood,
equality, and great compassionate impulses for helping the needy. Thus, after
obtaining divine guidance from Allah, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) proclaimed:
"Almighty Allah has granted you two blessed Eids: Eid-ul-Fitr and
Eid-ul-Adha." (Abu Dawud: 1134)
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Eid-ul-Adha
is a very meaningful and memorable day, and the Holy Prophet (peace be upon
him) has emphasised that the prayers on this day will be accepted. On the day
of Eid-ul-Adha, we should all seek forgiveness and repent—not just verbally,
but also practically. We should humbly pray to the Lord, ask for his pardon for
our faults and sins, and try our best to please him. Remember, sacrifice has
been an important part of all religions since the beginning of time.
It is
stated that Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, responded, "It is a tradition
that has come down to us from Abraham," when asked about the origin of Eid
al-Adha.
The Feast
of Sacrifice (Eid-ul-Azha) commemorates the historical moment when Prophet
Abraham was given the order to sacrifice his son Ismail by God in the form of a
dream vision. However, God sent the Angel Gabriel along with a massive ram as
the Prophet Abraham was about to sacrifice his son. Gabriel told Abraham that
his dream's prophecy had come true and gave him the command to offer the ram as
a ransom for his son. The Holy Qur'an's Chapter 37 makes reference to this
event.
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Also Read: Animal Sacrifice vs. Compassionate Eid: An Open
Letter To Our Muslim Brothers and Sisters
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Virtues
of The Day of Eid-ul-Azha
“The day of
Eid-ul-Azha is the greatest day in the sight of Allah” Azzawajal, according to
a hadith (Abu Dawud 1064), and “it is also the greatest day of the Hajj”,
according to another hadith. (Tirmidhi: 8191)
This day is
known as the best day of the year because so many acts of worship are performed
together, including the Eid prayer, the sacrifice, the recital of Takbeer
(praising Allah), and the general remembrance of Allah. Making a sacrifice,
stoning the Shaytaan (the devil) pillars, shaving one's head (men only;
women simply clip a little piece of their hair), performing the Tawaaf
(circumambulation of the Kaaba), and performing the Sa'ee are additional
requirements for pilgrims in Makkah (running between the two hills of Safaa
and Marwa).
The Arabic
words for an animal sacrifice are Zabiḥa and Qurban. The word ‘Qurban’ could have its
origin in the Jewish word ‘Korban’. In countries, including Bangladesh,
India, and Pakistan, Qurbani is always used to describe Islamic animal
sacrifice. An animal sacrifice, termed in the Islamic tradition as "Zabiha"
or "sacrifice as a rite," is only made at Eid ul-Adha. Sheep, goats,
or camels might be used as the offering animals. The animal must be sound and
healthy. In the Qur'an, Allah Almighty commands the sacrifice of animals,
saying, "Therefore turn to the Lord in Prayer and Sacrifice" (Quran
108:2). This is an Islamic directive for wealthy people to share their good
fortune with the needy in their community.
Rich
Muslims around the world observe the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) by
sacrificing an animal on the occasion of Eid ul Azha. The meat is then divided
into three equal portions. The one who sacrifices keeps a portion of the
offering for oneself. The second portion is given to his family and relatives.
The third portion goes to the needy and the poor in the community.
Eid-ul-Azha
is more than only purchasing and offering animals, dressing up, indulging in
delicious feasts, and pursuing petty pleasures and joys. Instead, it exhorts
people to advance honourable and compassionate values throughout society. It
stands for having a strong sense of brotherhood and compassion for the
disadvantaged. The highest spiritual status is genuinely supposed to be
acquired via acts of unselfish service to those who are less fortunate.
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Eid-ul-Azha
provides Muslims with a perfect opportunity to contemplate deeply on the plight
of the poor and the impoverished, cultivate a sense of generosity toward them,
and engage in charitable giving. The fundamental principles that Muslims must
observe during this holiday are Hazrat Abraham's greater devotion and total
obedience to God's will. They are therefore reminded of the Prophet's
willingness to make any sacrifice for the glory of God.
Muslims sacrifice
the permissible animals and offer them to the hungry and poor in commemoration
of Hazrat Abraham's devout sacrifice to God. However, the main objective of
this celebration is not only animal sacrifice. God does not actually take
pleasure in flesh and blood, as stated in the verse, "Their meat will
not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you."
(22:37)
Therefore,
Muslims should choose from a variety of ways to demonstrate their loyalty to
Allah's will during this holiday in addition to animal sacrifice. To fulfil the
lofty goals of Eid-ul-Adha, many virtuous and peaceful deeds based on the
custom of generosity and giving should be carried out. A few of the many
prophetic customs associated with Eid-ul-Azha include greeting and embracing
neighbours, hugging people upon meeting or parting, visiting and consoling the
sick, expressing sympathy to the bereaved, exchanging presents, and generally
spreading joy and happiness through all available channels. On the Day of Eid-ul-Adha,
such deeds that foster camaraderie, fraternity, and charity are highly
regarded.
....
Kaniz
Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam.
URL: https://newageislam.com/islamic-society/eid-azha-history/d/127444
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