Eid al Adha: The Festival of Sacrifice



Eid ul Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice, is one of the most important festivals of Muslims. It is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of Islamic calendar. We celebrate it in the memory of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and his son Hazrat Ismail (AS). Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) was willing to sacrifice his son ,Hazrat Ismail (AS), to Allah as an act of obedience. However before the sacrifice could have done Allah replaced Hazrat Ismail (AS) with a lamb. Because Allah had accepted his sacrifice so he replaced his son with a lamb. To remember this act of obedience and sacrifice, Muslims all over the world celebrate this festival by sacrificing animals such as goats, sheep or cows and distributing the meat among family, friends and those who are in need. This festival lasts for three days and is a time for prayer. However, Eid ul Adha teaches Muslims the value of sacrifice, generosity and unity.


The way Muslims celebrate Eid ul Adha has changed over time, but the tradition that they follow remains the same. Eid ul Adha begins with a special prayer as in the past, people would have to wake up early in the morning, dress up in bright, new clothes, walk into the mosque or open field to perform Eid prayer. Likewise, Muslims today also go to the mosque or large field to perform the prayer. The sight of thousands of Muslims standing shoulder to shoulder makes the heart warm. When they come back from the prayer, the sound of Eid Mubarak (congratulations) can be heard from all around, same as people would do it in the past. The Elders would give Eidi (money) to youngsters after the prayer , in the same way Muslims today follow the same tradition. Unlike the past when people used to buy animals from local markets, today they can order animals online due to modern technology. Although the concept of sacrifice remains the most important part of this Eid. In contrast to the past when people would mainly visit relatives in person, nowadays they make a video call to congratulate each other. Same as in the past, people still distribute meat among neighbors , but nowadays they can do online donations as well. However, the taste of delicious Eid meals, the warmth of love and devotion remain the same and it brings families closer to each other. 



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