FAQ (Eid Ul Adha)
Questions on the history of Eid ul Adha, why Muslims celebrate this Eid, and its significance.
Eid ul Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is an Islamic holiday celebrated worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command.
Eid ul Adha holds significant religious importance in Islam as it commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah’s command and his willingness to sacrifice his son, Isma’il (Ishmael), as an act of faith.
Eid ul Adha is known as the “Festival of Sacrifice” because it commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isma’il as an act of obedience to Allah’s command. However, Allah provided a ram as a substitute for Isma’il.
The story behind Eid ul Adha revolves around Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah’s command to sacrifice his son Isma’il. Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and willingness to obey led to Allah sparing Isma’il’s life and providing a ram for sacrifice instead.
Qurbani, or sacrifice, during Eid ul Adha symbolizes the willingness of Muslims to sacrifice their wealth and possessions for the sake of Allah. It also serves as a reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isma’il as an act of obedience to Allah.
Eid ul Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The date varies each year based on the sighting of the moon.
Eid ul Adha and Eid ul Fitr are two distinct Islamic holidays. Eid ul Adha celebrates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, whereas Eid ul Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.
Some of the rituals and traditions associated with Eid ul Adha include performing the Eid prayer, sacrificing an animal (Qurbani), distributing meat among family, friends, and the needy, and offering prayers and supplications.
Muslims celebrate Eid ul Adha by attending the Eid prayer at mosques or designated prayer grounds, sacrificing an animal (usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel), sharing the meat with family, friends, and the needy, and engaging in acts of charity and goodwill.
Non-Muslims can participate in Eid ul Adha celebrations by learning about its significance, attending community events or open houses hosted by Muslim organizations, and engaging in acts of interfaith dialogue and understanding. Additionally, they can extend well-wishes to their Muslim friends and neighbors during the holiday.