There are two different celebrations of Eid for in Islam and all Muslims around the world celebrate both. The first Eid is Eid-ul-Fitr which is celebrated for the completion of the Holy month of Ramadan and the second one is Eid-ul-Adha which is the greater Eid and is celebrate for the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage at the time of Qurbani which means sacrifice.
The day of Eid-ul-Adha falls on the tenth day in the final twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar; Dhu-al-Hijjah. The day Eid falls on is dependent on a legitimate sighting of the moon, following completion of the Annual Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj. Eid-ul-Adha usually last between two and four days.
Why do Muslims Celebrate Eid-ul-Adha?
Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha because Prophet Ibrahim had a dream which he believed was a message from Allah (swt) asking him to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God. The devil tempted Prophet Ibrahim by saying he should disobey Allah (swt) and spare his son. As Prophet Ibrahim was about to kill his son, Allah (swt) stopped him and gave him a lamb to sacrifice instead. This command from Allah (swt) was a test of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness and commitment to obey his Lord’s command, without question. Therefore, Eid-ul-Adha means the festival of sacrifice.
What Is Qurbani?
Qurbani means sacrifice and Qurbani is carried out following Eid Prayers. The act of Qurbani consists of slaughtering an animal as a sacrifice to mark this occasion in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice for Allah (swt), this is also known as Udhiya. The days of animal sacrifice is three days in total and it is from the 10th to the 12th of Dhu-al-Hijjah. The animal you sacrifice must be either a lamb, sheep, goat, bull, cow or a camel; the sheep, lamb or goat consist of one Qurbani share. whereas a bull, cow or camel consist of seven shares per animal. The animal has to be in good health and be of a certain age and be slaughtered in the Halal way.
How To Distribute The Meat?
The sacrifice of the animal is divided into three equal parts which is one-third share for you and your family, one-third is for friends and the final third is to be donated to those who are in need. Some Muslims will pay the value of an animal to one of a number of Muslim charities around the world that collect funds for remote animal sacrifices, distributing the meat to underprivileged groups- including refugees, the elderly and disabled people.
What Is Eid Prayers?
Muslims begin celebrating Eid by going to the mosque to read extra Eid prayers. The prayer is called Eid-e-Salat and consists of two rak’ahs.
What Is Hajj?
The Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah is in Saudi Arabia, it occurs every year and is the Fifth Pillar of Islam. All Muslims who are fit and healthy and are able to travel should make the visit to Makkah at least once in their lives. During the Hajj the pilgrims perform acts of worship and renew their faith and sense of purpose in the world. Muslims stand before the Ka’bah a shrine built by Prophet Ibrahim, and praise Allah together. Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha on the last day of the Hajj.
What Is The Ka’bah?
The Ka’bah is the most important monument in Islam, Muslims walk around the Ka’bah seven times and many of Muslims try to touch the black stone that is located at the corner.
How Is Eid Celebrated?
Eid is celebrated by Muslims going to read Eid prayers first thing in the morning, they dress in their best Eid clothes and thank Allah (swt) for all the blessings they have received and been blessed with. They will visit friends and family going house to house and enjoying each others company and food.
