Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha

Meaning of "The Festival of Sacrifice"

What is Eid al-Adha

At the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca),

Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday

of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). In 2007,

Eid al-Adha will begin on approximately

December 19st, and will last for three days.

What does Eid al-Adha commemorate?

During the Hajj, Muslims remember and

commemorate the trials and triumphs of

the Prophet Abraham. The Qur'an describes

Abraham as follows: "Surely Abraham was an example,

obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not

of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties.

We chose him and guided him unto a right path.

We gave him good in this world, and in the next he

will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121)

One of Abraham's main trials was to face the command

of Allah to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command,

he prepared to submit to Allah's will. When he was all

prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice"

had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for

his Lord superceded all others, that he would lay down his

own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.

During the celebration of Eid al-Adha,

Muslims commemorate and remember

Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering

an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat.

This action is very often misunderstood

by those outside the faith.

Allah has given us power over animals

and allowed us to eat meat, but only

if we pronounce His name at the

solemn act of taking life. Muslims

slaughter animals in the same way

throughout the year. By saying the

name of Allah at the time of slaughter,

we are reminded that life is sacred.

The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha

is mostly given away to others.

One-third is eaten by immediate family

and relatives, one-third is given away

to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor.

The act symbolizes our willingness to give

up things that are of benefit to us or close

to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands.

It also symbolizes our willingness to give

up some of our own bounties, in order

to strengthen ties of friendship and help

those who are in need. We recognize

that all blessings come from Allah, and

we should open our hearts and share

with others. It is very important to understand that

the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims,

has nothing to do with atoning for our sins

or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin.

This is a misunderstanding by those of

previous generations: "It is not their

meat nor their blood that reaches Allah;

it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37)

The symbolism is in the attitude -

a willingness to make sacrifices in our

lives in order to stay on the Straight Path.

Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up

things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim,

one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord,

is willing to follow Allah's commands completely

and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity

in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires

from us.

What else do Muslims do to celebrate the holiday?

On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims

around the world attend morning prayers at

their local mosques. Prayers are followed by

visits with family and friends, and the exchange

of greetings and gifts. At some point, members

of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise

will make arrangements for the slaughter of an

animal. The meat is distributed during the days

of the holiday or shortly thereafter.