EID UL ADHA
Eid ul Adha is a festival celebrated among Muslims all over the world in remembrance of the sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) made out of his strong faith in Allah.
Ibrahim (AS) showed a willingness to sacrifice his son Prophet Ismail (A.S.) but his son was replaced with a lamb by Allah. Allah was so pleased with Ibrahim’s (A.S.) submission to Him that He made this demonstration of sacrifice and faith a permanent part of a Muslim’s life. This event is mentioned in Quran – Surah As-Saffat (37:102).
Hence, every year on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid ul Azha. On this day, Muslims slaughter a lamb, sheep, goat or a camel to honor the sacrifice of Ibrahim (AS).
Both Eid ul Fitr and Eid Al-Adha have great significance in Islam as the same is evident from the following Hadith of Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.):
“Allah has given you better than those feasts (festivals of non-believers): the ‘Eid-ul-Adha’ and ‘Eid-ul-Fitr.’” (An-Nasai: 1556)
Fasting on Eid al-Adha and Eid ul-Fitr are strictly forbidden as the same is obvious from the following Hadith of our beloved Prophet (S.A.W.):
“No fasting is permissible on the two days of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.” (Sahih Bukhari: 1995)
FIRST 10 DAYS OF DHUL HIJJAH
Dhul Hijjah is one of the four sacred months of Islamic Calendar and first 10 days of this month are the days which are selected by Allah as the best days of the year.
(Surah At Taubah 9:36)
(Sahih Bukhari: 3197)
(Surah Al-Fajr 89:1-2)
1- There are many Hadiths and Quranic Ayahs show great emphasis on doing good deeds during these blessed days. Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) said:
“No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijjah).’”
(Sahih Bukhari: 969)
2- Rituals of Hajj are started during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah (from 8th to 13th).
3- Fasting on the day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) is a confirmed Sunnah of our beloved prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) but only for those who are not performing Hajj. Fasting on this day is a forgiveness for two years. (Ibn Majah: 1731)
4- Eid al Adha is celebrated during these 10 days (10th Dhul Hijjah) and animals are sacrificed on these days (10th to 13th).
5- Days of Tashriq starts on 9th of Dhul Hijjah (9th to 13th) and these are days of eating and drinking. During the days of Tashriq, it is necessary for every Muslim (male or female, whether praying in congregation or alone) to say the Takbir (Takbirs of Tashriq) immediately after each obligatory (fard) prayer from the Fajr Prayer on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah to the Asr Prayer on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Thus, these Takbirs last 5 days, and 23 prayers.
CELEBRATION OF EID AL ADHA
Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al Adha for two to four days (depending on the country). However, there are some Sunnah which every Muslim should follow while celebrating this great festival.
Sunnah Acts For Eid Al-Adha
1. Perform Ghusl
The best way to feel fresh for Eid is to perform ghusl before going out to pray. It’s understood that it’s better to do ghusl after Fajr, but before Fajr is acceptable too.
2. Eat After the Eid Prayer
Unlike on Eid Al-Fitr, you should eat after the Eid prayer on Eid Al-Adha. And if you’ve offered a sacrifice, you can and should eat from your Qurbani meat. If you didn’t offer a sacrifice, it’s fine for you to eat before the prayer.
3. Dress Up
Eid is a celebration, so it makes sense that you should dress up and wear your nicest clothes (in accordance with hijab).
4. Recite Takbeer
From the first day of Dhul Hijjah, you should’ve begun saying takbeer (Allahu akbar) frequently. This ends at sunset on the final day of Tashreeq (13th Dhul Hijjah). So, keep going!
You should recite: Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, wa Allahu akbar, Allah akbar, wa lillaah il-hamd.
Translation: Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no God but Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and to Allah be praise.
5. Exchange Well Wishes
Congratulate one another by saying “Eid Mubarak”. Send well wishes upon one another by saying “Taqabbal Allah minna wa minkum” (May Allah accept [good deeds] from us and from you).
6. Go to the Eid Prayer
According to a hadith narrated by Bukhari and Muslim, Prophet Muhammad (saw) commanded both men and women to go out to the prayer on Eid.
It’s also a great opportunity to meet people in your local community. Don’t forget: traditionally, the masjid is a meeting place too. You could even take some sweets and chocolate to hand out to children.
7. Switch Routes
On your return from the masjid, use a different route than the one you used to get there.
Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullah (ra) said: “When Allah’s Messenger would go out on the day of Eid by one route, he would return by another.” [At-Timidhi]
8. Eat and Drink!
The days of Eid are not for fasting. In fact, Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “The days of at-Tashreeq are days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah.” [Muslim]
9- Listening to Sermon (Khutbah) after offering Eid Prayer. (An-Nasai: 1517)
EID PRAYER
The scholars differed concerning the ruling on Eid prayers. However, all Muslim should attend prayers of both Eids as most scholars, on the basis of strong evidences, is of opinion that it is Wajib (obligation). Apart from prayer, the Eid sermon (after Eid Prayer) has also been made an integral part of this gathering and the prayer.
1- The time for Eid Prayer begins from the time the sun is three meters above the horizon until the sun reaches its meridian. However, it is better to offer the prayer in the early hours after the sunrise. (Abu Dawud: 1135)
2- Eid Prayer is performed without any ‘Iqmah’ or ‘Athan’. [Sahih Muslim: 885 (b)]
3- Eid prayer consists of two Rak’at (Two Unit Prayer) during which Tabkeer (Allah-u-Akbar) is pronounce seven times. (Abu Dawud: 1149)
4- Rest of the Eid prayer is same as other prayer offered daily.
5- After completing the prayer, it is Sunnah (some scholars say that it is Wajib) to listen the Sermon (Khutbah) after Eid Prayer. So one should stay for Imam’s sermon to end after completing the Eid Prayer.
After listening to the sermon, Muslims congratulate each other with greetings such as ‘Eid Mubarak’, ‘Happy Eid, and عيد مبارك etc. However, the most common Eid Greeting Muslims like to wish their friends and fellow Muslims is ‘Eid Mubarak’.
SACRIFICE OF ANIMAL
Sacrifice of animal or Qurbani on the day of Eid al Adha is a confirmed Sunnah of not only Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) but also of our beloved Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.). However, some Scholars are of the opinion that is ‘Wajib’ (obligatory).
Sacrifice of cattle is a great worship of Allah and this brings the person offering sacrifice close to Allah.
Abu Hurairah (R.A.) reported that Prophet (S.A.W.) said:
“Whoever can afford it [sacrifice], but does not offer a sacrifice, let him not come near our prayer place.”
(Ibn Majah: 3123)
Hadith clearly mentions the importance of sacrifice and it is also a warning for those Muslims who have means to offer a sacrifice on Eid ul Adha but don’t perform this great Sunnah due to some lame excuses or some other worldly-reasons.
RULES OF SACRIFICE
Anyone who intends to do the slaughter an animal on Eid al-Adha has to follow certain rules which are given below:
1- Sacrifice of an animal for Eid al Adha can only be done during the specified dates i-e After Eid Prayer (10th of Dhul Hijjah) and before sunset of 13th Dhul Hijjah. Whoever does not follow these dates then his sacrifice is not valid. (Sahih Bukhari: 5545 and Sahih Muslim: 1141)
2- The animal to be sacrificed has to be one of the cattle approved by the Shariah, which are; Camels, Cattle, Sheep and Goat. (Surah Hajj 22:34 and Surah Al-Anaam 6:143)
3- A sheep or goat is used as a single offering and is sufficient for one household whereas camel or cow can be shared by seven people. [Sahih Muslim: 1318(a) and 1961(a)]
4- Animal to be sacrificed has to be an adult and should have reached the age stipulated in Shariah.
Goat, either male or female, of at least one year of age.
Sheep, either male or female, of at least six months of age.
Cow, ox, buffalo of at least two years of age.
Camel, male or female, of at least five years of age.
5- Animals have to be healthy one and should be free from obvious defects. (Saheeh Al-Jami: 886)
6- A person offering sacrifice should have only one intention i-e sacrificing in the name of Allah and also the animal to be sacrificed is in his full possession (it is not stolen or taken by force or in joint procession or held in pledge).
7- A person who intends to offer sacrifice should not remove any hair, nail or skin from the sunset on the last day of Dhul Qadah until the sacrifice is done on the day of Eid. (Ibn Majah: 3150)
8- A person should slaughter the animal with his own hands in order to fulfill the Sunnah. However, if one is not able to do so then he can appoint someone else to do the same on his behalf but one should witness his slaughter / sacrifice. (Sahih Bukhari: 5554)
9- Mention the name of Allah and recite Takbeer (Bismillah, Allahu Akbar) at the time of slaughtering the animal. (Sahih Bukhari: 5558)
10- Many scholars are of the opinion that the meat of sacrificed animals should be divided into three parts. One third for the person (and his family) who is offering sacrifice, one third should be distributed among the relatives/neighbors as a gift and one third should be given in charity to poor people.
11- All parts of the sacrificed animal can be used for personal benefit but none can be sold or given as payment (even to the butcher as his wage) otherwise, sacrifice will become invalid. (Sahih Al-Jami: 6118)
Conclusion
So enjoy this festival by eating and thanking Allah for His blessings and providing an opportunity to fulfill this great Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.). But don’t forget your under-privileged fellow Muslim brother and sisters who don’t have the means to celebrate this blessed festival.
Source: Islamicfinder
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