All About Eid-Ul-Adha
The “Festival of Sacrifice,” or Eid ul Adha, is one of the most important occasions on the Islamic calendar. This festival, held every year in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, commemorates the conclusion of the Hajj journey to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims worldwide gather to celebrate Eid ul Adha in a spirit of giving and community.
The day starts with a special prayer, and then there are celebratory meals and animal sacrifices, which stand for generosity and devotion. Muslims experience gratitude, compassion, and unity through Eid ul Adha’s acts of worship and charity.
Eid Ul Adha connection with hajj:
Hajj and Eid al-Adha are very closely related. On the third day of the Hajj, millions of Muslims making the journey sacrifice an animal.
Following the sacrifice, they get their hair cut or shaved, and they shed their pilgrim’s garments, known as “ihram,” which are meant to represent a state of chastity and a rejection of material possessions as well as to neutralize inequalities in wealth and status.
In the days that follow, pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, which Muslims regard as the dwelling of God that was constructed by Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail, in a ritual known as the “tawaf.”
They perform a final tawaf to complete their Hajj before departing Mecca to return to their home countries.
The Eid significance: sacrificial lessons:
The celebration of Eid ul Adha revolves around the life of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), highlighting themes of sacrifice, obedience, and faith. Islamic tradition holds that as a test of Ibrahim’s devotion, Allah ordered him to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail. Ibrahim showed his unwavering faith by preparing to carry out the divine command despite his emotional turmoil. But Allah stepped in and sent the angel Jibreel, also known as Gabriel, to swap Ismail out for a ram that would later be sacrificed. The Qurbani ritual, which is performed by Muslims worldwide on Eid ul Adha, honors this occasion by having an animal sacrificed and the meat distributed to loved ones, friends, and the less fortunate, emphasizing the virtues of community and charity.
The life of Ibrahim serves as a lesson in the value of generosity and sacrifice, as well as in obeying Allah and having faith in His wisdom. The virtues of faith and submission are recalled by Muslims when they consider Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Eid ul Adha is a time for deep spiritual reflection and social harmony since it not only strengthens individual piety but also promotes a sense of community and shared values. Muslims reaffirm their dedication to the tenets of faith, devotion, and charity that characterize Islam by reenacting this story each year.
When do the Qurbani sacrifices take place?
On the 10th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, Eid al-Adha, Qurbani is held following the Eid prayer. Eid al-Adha will begin this year on June 16 or 17, 2024 (depending on moon sighting).
If you make a sacrifice before the Eid prayer, it counts as a Sadaqah rather than the required Qurbani; however, you still need to do the Qurbani after the prayer.
“I saw the Prophet (saw) on the Day of Nahr,” according to Jundab bin Sufyan Al-Bajali’s account (or Eid day). “Whoever killed the sacrifice before offering the Eid prayer should kill another sacrifice in its place; and whoever has not killed their sacrifice yet, should kill now,” declared the prophet Ishmael. (Bukhari).
Muslim Hands does animal sacrifices on the three days of Eid and complies with Qurbani directives until the third day.
Who needs to offer qurbani?
According to the Hanafi school, a Qurbani must be given by any adult, sane Muslim who possesses the Nisab worth. Thus, you must make a Qurbani if you can pay Zakat.
According to the Maliki and Hanbali schools, the head of the household can make the Qurbani on their behalf.
Types of animals for sacrifice:
There is no distinction made in Islam between male and female sacrificed animals.
However, because of their superior physical condition and comparatively higher proportion of carcass weight, male animals are typically preferred by consumers when purchasing them for sacrifice.
Eid ul Adha greetings:
Since the greetings for Eid al-Adha coincide with the festivities of this festival, they are very popular. And they’re not just used by Muslims. Occasionally, non-Muslims will greet Muslims who live in their communities or who are friends with them. As a result, it is crucial to understand the appropriate phrases to use and the various greetings used in various nations.
Muslim greetings for Eid will mostly take three forms. There is “Eid Mubarak” among them. Nonetheless, the Arabic greetings “Eid Saeed” and “Kul ‘aam wa antum bi’khair” are more frequently heard throughout the Middle East. Happy Celebration and “May I find you well and in good health every year” are the meanings of these two phrases, respectively.
Greetings cards for Eid ul Adha:
Sending cards to loved ones on Eid Al Adha is a classic method to express your feelings. The purpose of them stays the same, whether they are complicated or straightforward, classic or contemporary: to spread happiness and blessings. Here are a few popular varieties of cards for Eid Al Adha:
Traditional greeting card:
Classical Eid Al Adha cards frequently include lines from the Quran, elaborate patterns, and exquisite Islamic calligraphy. They are accessible in Hindi, Arabic, Urdu, and English, among other languages. For people who value cultural and religious symbolism, these cards are ideal.
Conventional greeting cards are available online, at mosques, and in neighborhood Islamic shops. Islamic art features like crescent moons, stars, and mosques are frequently incorporated into the designs. Honoring the recipient’s cultural and religious heritage by sending a traditional card might be a kind gesture.
Modern and digital cards:
The popularity of digital greeting cards has grown since the invention of technology. They frequently have animated graphics and sound effects and are simple to transmit via social media or email. You may create your personalized digital cards using customizable templates from websites like Canva and Adobe Spark.
Contemporary typeface, vivid colors, and simple, minimalist designs are common elements of modern greeting cards. Videos and animations are examples of interactive components that they can incorporate. Not only can sending digital cards save the environment but they can be delivered instantly, which makes them perfect for last-minute greetings.
Personalized greeting cards:
With personalized greeting cards, you may personalize them with the recipient’s name, a picture, or a heartfelt message. Personalized Eid Al Adha cards may be created with services like Moonpig and Shutterfly, giving the recipient a completely unique experience.
Cards that are personalized can be made to match the recipient’s tastes and personality. You may use their favorite colors or pick a topic they adore, for instance. This degree of customization adds significance to the welcome by demonstrating that you have given it careful consideration.
Free greetings cards:
There are many different styles of free greeting cards, from classic to contemporary. They are an excellent choice for those searching for a quick and simple way to communicate their wishes or for those on a tight budget. All you need to do to spread the joy of Eid is download, print, or distribute the card online.
Family Traditions and Customs During Eid Ul Adha:
In addition to being a religious holiday, Eid ul Adha is a time for families to get together, deepen their ties, and celebrate treasured customs that have been passed down through the years. Depending on the family’s cultural background and geographic region, Eid ul Adha customs might vary greatly, but they usually revolve around shared feasts, prayers, and charitable deeds. These are some typical Eid ul Adha traditions and practices followed by families:
Preparation and decoration:
Families make extensive preparations in the days preceding Eid al Adha in order to guarantee a joyous atmosphere at home. Houses are cleaned and adorned with traditional ornaments, flags, and vibrant lights. To further enhance the joyful atmosphere, women and children can make elaborate henna designs on their hands.
Special prayers and sermons:
Families get together to pray the Eid prayer, or Salat al-Eid, in mosques or special prayer areas on the morning of Eid ul Adha. Following the prayer, the Imam gives a speech to the assembly in which he discusses the significance of Eid al Adha and its lessons of dedication and sacrifice. Families greet one another and bestow blessings on one another after the prayer.
Festive meals:
The lavish meal that family members and guests eat on Eid ul Adha is one of the celebration’s centerpieces. While traditional foods differ from place to place, they frequently feature meat-based treats such as curries, kebabs, and biryani. To sate the sweet tooth, sweet sweets like baklava, sheer khurma, and kheer are also prepared.
Acts of charity and giving:
Families take extra care to help the less fortunate by providing food packages, paying for meals at nearby shelters, or offering alms. This charitable deed, called Zakat al-Fitr or Sadqah al-Fitr, makes sure that everyone, no matter what their circumstances, can enjoy the festive occasion of Eid ul Adha.
Visiting relatives and exchanging gifts:
Eid ul Adha is also a chance to catch up with relatives and extended family. Families frequently pay one other a visit, giving each other warm greetings and catching up on news. Gift-giving is typically as a way to express gratitude and promote joy, especially to children. These get-togethers foster family ties and produce enduring memories of happiness and coziness.
Eid Mubarak wishes and messages:
Wishes for friends and families:
Happy Eid! I hope you and your loved ones have joy, serenity, and success on this important day.
I’m wishing a happy, joyous, and memorable Eid to you and your family.
Greetings of Eid to you and your loved ones! May you always and now be blessed by Allah.
Whatsapp and Facebook status:
I send you my best wishes for happiness and love on this auspicious Eid. Mubarak Eid-ul-Adha 2024.
We should always celebrate Eid with our family and friends because it’s a joyous occasion. Happy Eid-ul-Adha!
I get to spend this Eid with my true love, which makes it quite precious for me. Happy Eid, my love!
Eid ul Adha literature and poetry:
Because of the deep spiritual and cultural significance of Eid ul Adha, a large amount of poetry and fiction that perfectly expresses the spirit of the occasion has been written. The cultural fabric of Eid ul Adha has been enhanced by the reflections, feelings, and insights that writers and poets from all across the Muslim world have shared via their works regarding this holy day.
Classical poetry celebrates Eid ul Adha:
These topics have been explored by poets like as Rumi and Hafez, who have used the festival as a springboard to talk about more general spiritual truths.
Rumi: The Persian poet and Sufi mystic Jalaluddin Rumi wrote extensively on the subjects of sacrifice and surrender to divine will in the thirteenth century. His poetry captures the attitude of devotion and love for God that the festival commemorates, even though it is not directly about Eid ul Adha. Verse such as “The wound is the place where the Light enters you” by Rumi, for example, speak to the idea that spiritual enlightenment comes through sacrifice.
Hafez: Hafez, a well-known Persian poet, also explored themes of spiritual sacrifice and heavenly love. His poetry, replete with deep thoughts and mystical imagery, reflects the feelings of Eid ul Adha. The profound relationship between human longing and heavenly grace is reflected in statements like “I have learned that every heart will get what it prays for most”.
Muhammad Iqbal: Muhammad Iqbal was a well-known politician, poet, philosopher, and writer in British India. He is recognized for having influenced the Pakistan Movement and published a great deal on Islamic subjects. These quotations and thoughts from Iqbal’s poetry, which span a wide range of subjects and are centered around sacrifice, faith, and spiritual renewal, are in line with the themes of Eid ul Adha.
On sacrifice and faith:
“Farma tu hai Ghulam-e-Sharee-e-Rasool-e-Arabi / Qismat main hai ghulaami-e-Mustafa apni (pbuh)”
On spiritual renewal:
“Khuda tujhe kisi toofan se aashna kar de / Ke tere beher ki mojon mein iztarab nahi”
Conclusion:
Eid Al Adha brings joy, unity, and reflection. Whether through heartfelt greetings, lively cards, or inspiring wishes, the spirit of sacrifice and celebration shines bright. Let these images, wishes, and poetry convey the essence of this blessed occasion across cultures and communities.
