Eid ul Adha as an Islamic Festival

 

Festivals occupy an important place in the life of every nation. They reflect the emotional as well as the intellectual side of national life. They mark the cultural aspect of a nation. They tell us how a nation lives its life and what its moral and social laws are. They reflect upon the achievement and progress of a nation. The festivals indicate the way a nation celebrates its joys and pleasures.

Like other nations of the world, the Muslims have two festivals in a year. The Muslims celebrate them with great pomp and show. One is Edi-ul-Fitr, which comes at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a gift of ALLAH to the Muslims who observe the tests of Ramadan with full devotion. The other religious festival is Eid-ul-Azha. It is the festival that celebrates Hazrat Ibrahim’s attempt to sacrifice his son, Hazrat Ismaeel (A.S), on the behest of Allah. This act of sacrifice and obedience earned the pleasure of Allah so much that He sent a sheep from heaven and saved Hazrat Ismaeel (A.S) from slaughter at the hands of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S). It has been enjoined upon the Muslims to sacrifice a goat, a cow or a camel in the name of Allah.

The object of this sacrifice is quite simple; to please ALLAH and to commemorate the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S). It is celebrated in the month of Zul-Hajjah. It makes the end at Hajj. The pilgrims in Makkah perform the sacrifice on the 10th of Zul-Hajjah. It is the last month of Islamic calendar. The Muslims, who do not go to Makkah, sacrifice the animals at their own places. All over the world Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Azha. On this occasion, a sheep, a goat, a cow or a camel is slaughtered in the name of Allah.

It is a reminder of Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah. The day of Eid-ul-Azha starts with the recitation of Takbeer, in which the Muslims glorify the greatness of ALLAH and thank Him for His bounties. All the Muslims go to Eid Ghahs (open places) or to Masjid to say prayers. After saying their prayer, they pray for the safety and unity of the Muslim Ummah. After the prayers, the Muslims are ready for the sacrifice of their animals. The butchers are engaged to slaughter the animals. However, a few devoted Muslims slaughter their animals themselves. The meat of the animals is distributed among the poor and the needy. It is also distributed among relatives. On the Eid day, men, women and children wear neat and new clothes. Many tasty and delicious dishes of meat are cooked in every family. Some of the rich persons hold public gatherings and arrange Barbecue feasts. The friends and relatives are served delicious roasted meat items. These functions are quite pleasurable. The Eid-ul-Azha continues for three days. The animals can be slaughtered for three days.

The Muslims celebrate this Eid with great zeal and fervour. In the Climax of their celebration, they do not forget to praise ALLAH and His blessings. In every Masjid, the Takbeers are recited loudly in praise of ALLAH. The Muslims feel proud of having such a festival in which they can fulfill the needs of the poor and downtrodden and also praise the greatness of ALLAH.