Eid al-Adha is one of the two most important Islamic festivals. It begins on the 10th day of Dhu'l-Hijja which fell on Friday the 26th of October this year. Dhul hijja is the last month of the Islamic calendar. It occurs at the conclusion of the annual Hajj to Mecca and lasts for three days.
The festival commemorates Prophet Abraham's willingness to obey God Almighty as he dreamt that he was to sacrifice his son Ismael on God’s orders.
The great Prophet of Islam Hazrat Ibrahim (known as Abraham) Peace Be Upon Him - was commanded by God to sacrifice his older son. He obeyed and took Ishmael (Ismail) to Mount Moriah.
When Prophet Ibrahim was getting closer to sacrifice his son Ismael (PBUH), an angel appeared suddenly and stopped him by giving him a ram instead for sacrificing. The great prophet passed Allah’s test as he actually went ahead with sacrificing his dear son just to seek Allah’s pleasure.
The great Prophet of Islam Hazrat Ibrahim (known as Abraham) Peace Be Upon Him - was commanded by God to sacrifice his older son. He obeyed and took Ishmael (Ismail) to Mount Moriah.
When Prophet Ibrahim was getting closer to sacrifice his son Ismael (PBUH), an angel appeared suddenly and stopped him by giving him a ram instead for sacrificing. The great prophet passed Allah’s test as he actually went ahead with sacrificing his dear son just to seek Allah’s pleasure.
Muslims observe this day by slaughtering an animal and then distributing much of its meat in charity to poor and hungry people.
Eid sacrifice takes place until sunset on the 13th day. The days of Eid have been singled out in hadith as "days of remembrance". The days of Tashriq are from the Fajr of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah up to the Asr of the 13th of Dhul Hijjah (5 days and 4 nights).
In the period around Eid al-Adha, many Muslims travel to Mecca and the surrounding area in Saudi Arabia to perform the annual Hajj which is mandatory for all capable Muslims once in lifetime.
Muslims may plan and save for many years to enable them to take part in this event, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Almighty Allah says in Chapter 22 Verse 37 of the noble Quran:"Nor their flesh, nor their blood, reaches Allah, but to Him is acceptable observance of duty on your part."
Almighty Allah says in Chapter 22 Verse 37 of the noble Quran:"Nor their flesh, nor their blood, reaches Allah, but to Him is acceptable observance of duty on your part."
