Eid al-Adha Celebrations: The Feast of the Sacrifice

Eid al-Adha is a deeply meaningful celebration, observed by millions of Muslims worldwide. 

Eid al-Adha is one of Islam’s two major festivals, alongside Eid al-Fitr, which is celebrated after Ramadan on the 1st of Shawwal. It is observed on the 10th day of Dhul al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.

This joyous occasion lasts for three to four days and follows the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Hajj is a core pillar of Islam that every eligible Muslim aspires to complete. 

Let’s explore the meaning of Eid al-Adha, how Muslims celebrate it, and when it will take place in 2025.

Eid al-Adha Meaning

Eid al-Adha means “Celebration of Sacrifice,” is one of Islam’s two major holidays. It is celebrated in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) devotion. This was when he was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (AS).

His obedience to this divine test highlights trust and submission to Allah’s will, core virtues in Islam. Eid al-Adha is also closely associated with Hajj, the pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca, which is a pillar of Islam.

When is Eid al-Adha 2025?

In 2025, Eid al-Adha, the feast of sacrifice, is expected to fall on June 6 according to the Islamic months’ lunar calendar. This date, however, depends on the sighting of the moon, which may vary across regions. This Islamic holiday is filled with prayer, sacrifice, and communal meals.

How Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Adha?

Celebrating Eid al-Adha holds deep spiritual and social significance in Islam. This embodies the values of sacrifice, obedience, and devotion to Allah. The Sunnah of Eid al-Adha guides Muslims on how to celebrate the holiday in a way that strengthens faith and promotes unity.

Here are the ways Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha:

Buying Animal of Sacrifice

In the days leading up to Eid al-Adha or Eid sacrifice, Muslims begin preparations by purchasing a sacrificial animal. This is typically done about one week to ten days before Eid. They visit local animal markets (mandis), where they carefully choose the best animal for sacrifice, whether it be a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. 

Many Muslims take great care in selecting an animal that meets the required Islamic standards for sacrifice and make sure it is healthy and strong. The chosen animals are then kept in good condition, often being fed and treated with care during the days leading to the festival.

Offering Prayer of Eid al-Adha

A key component of the Eid al-Adha Sunnah is performing the special Eid prayer in the congregation. This prayer, held in the morning of Eid, after sunrise, is a highly recommended act of worship. This congregational prayer brings together the Muslim community in a collective expression of gratitude to Allah. 

The prayer is offered in local mosques and is followed by a sermon (Khutbah). In this address, the importance of sacrifice and helping those in need is emphasized. The sermon also reminds Muslims of the significance of Eid al-Adha. It highlights its connection to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), inspiring reflection on the lessons of faith and devotion.

After the prayer, people greet each other and give Eid al-Adha wishes like "Eid Mubarak," which means "Happy Eid" or "Blessed Eid." They may also share embraces and exchange small gifts.

Sacrificing in Remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)

After Eid prayer, the Sunnah of Eid al-Adha includes the act of Qurbani (sacrifice). The sacred sacrifice is performed in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (AS).

This was an act of obedience to Allah’s command and Allah became happy with their sacrifice. The story of Qurbani in the Quran is mentioned, and Allah made it mandatory for those who can afford it.

Just as Ibrahim (AS) demonstrated unwavering faith by preparing to sacrifice his son, Muslims today honor this legacy. They express their devotion by making sacrifices in the way of Allah.

The animal typically involves a goat, sheep, cow, or camel slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines, ensuring that the act is carried out humanely and in the name of Allah. The time for offering the sacrifice begins after the prayer of Eid al-Adha and concludes at sunset on the thirteenth of Dhul al-Hijjah. 

Thus, there are four days allocated for the sacrifice. These include the day of Eid al-Adha and the following three days. It is recommended to offer the sacrifice soon after the Eid prayer, following the example of the Prophet (PBUH), who would make the meat from his sacrifice the first thing he ate on that day.

Personal and Collective Sacrifice

For some Muslims, the act of sacrifice during Eid al-Adha involves a personal commitment to offering an animal on behalf of themselves or their family. This is a direct demonstration of their faith and devotion.

However, for those who may not have the financial means to afford an individual sacrifice, there is an alternative. They participate in a communal or collective sacrifice. In these cases, a group of individuals may pool their resources together to purchase and slaughter an animal, and then meat is distributed among them. 

This practice allows those who cannot afford a personal sacrifice to still partake in the act of Qurbani and share in the blessings. It ensures that everyone, regardless of financial ability, can experience the spirit of giving, community, and compassion that Eid al-Adha embodies.

Distributing the Meat and Sharing the Joy

After the sacrifice is completed, the meat from the animal is divided into three equal portions. One portion is kept for the family, another is shared with friends and relatives, and the third is given to those in need. This act of charity emphasizes the importance of helping others, particularly the less fortunate, and sharing blessings with the community. 

It also fosters a sense of gratitude and unity. Many Muslims invite family and friends to share festive meals. They enjoy the special dishes prepared from the sacrificed meat.

Reciting Takbeer on Eid Days

During the days of Eid, especially the days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and 13th days of Dhul Hijjah), it is important to remember the practice of reciting Takbeer. These days are a time for eating, drinking, and remembering Allah. 

The Prophet (PBUH) and his companions, including Ibn Umar (RA) and Abu Hurayrah (RA), would recite Takbeer in public spaces, encouraging others to join in this beautiful act of worship. 

On the day of Eid and during the days of Mina, Umar (RA) and his son would raise their voices in Takbeer, filling the air with the remembrance of Allah. It is recommended to recite Takbeer after each of the five prayers from Fajr on the day of Arafaah until Asr on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. 

Follow the example of the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions. Even if you are not performing Hajj, remember to recite the Takbeer with sincerity and devotion during the first ten days of Dhul al-Hijjah and the days of Tashreeq. 

Wearing New Clothes and Celebrating Together

Eid al-Adha is a joyful occasion for Muslims, they dress in their finest clothes, and is a common tradition to mark the festivity. The day is filled with celebrations as families visit one another, sharing the meat and exchanging blessings. Many Muslims host BBQ parties, where the meat from the sacrifice is grilled and enjoyed with family and friends. 

Children eagerly await receiving Eidi (gifts or money) from relatives, adding to the excitement. The sense of community grows as everyone gathers to share meals and create memories. It becomes a day of happiness, worship, and gratitude, filled with the joy of togetherness.

What is the Link of Pilgrimage with Eid al-Adha?

In addition to Qurbani, Eid al-Adha holds profound significance due to its connection with Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam. Though this Eid isn’t directly connected to the Hajj pilgrimage, it falls just a day after the Hajj concludes. This timing gives it a meaningful place in this sacred period.

The Hajj pilgrimage, which retraces the steps of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), is a powerful act of worship that demonstrates humility and devotion to Allah. During Hajj, pilgrims perform a series of rituals, including standing at Arafat in prayer, symbolizing their submission to Allah. 

They then make a symbolic sacrifice and perform the Tawaf, the act of walking around the Kaaba, in the sacred mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Hajj is not only a physical journey but also a spiritual one. For Muslims who are able, it serves as a reminder of their ultimate purpose—to worship Allah and demonstrate obedience, just as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) did. 

In conclusion, Eid al-Adha is more than just a festival; it is a celebration rooted in faith, sacrifice, and unity. Through worship, sharing happiness, and togetherness, Muslims honor the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and renew their commitment to selflessness. 

Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha according to the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). They offer communal prayers, perform the sacrifice, share the meat, and recite the Takbeer. As families and communities gather, Eid al-Adha is a powerful reminder of the values that unite humanity in compassion and devotion.

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