At the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Muslims all over the world celebrate the vacation of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). Eid al-Adha will begin on November 6th 2011, and will last for three days.
During the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Muslims commemorate the trials and victories of the Prophet Abraham.
The Qur’an describes Abraham as “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 obey the command of Allah to slaughter his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to undergo 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He had shown that his love and loyalty for his Lord superseded all others, which he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to surrender to God.
During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate 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 the human beings power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we enunciate His name at the lofty 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 immediately by the family and relatives, one-third is given away as gifts to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor.
The act describes our readiness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah’s commands. It also describes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen the friendship bonds 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 neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety from you that reaches Him.
Thus have We made them subject to you that you may magnify Allah for His Guidance to you. And give glad tidings (O Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him) to the (doers of good)” (Qur’an 22:37)
The symbolism is in the behavior – a readiness 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 awards 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 deserves from us.
On the first day of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosques. Prayers are followed by sacrifice then 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.
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