Eid al-Adha (Qurbani Eid): A Celebration of Faith, Sacrifice, and Unity

 

Eid al-Adha (Qurbani Eid): A Celebration of Faith, Sacrifice, and Unity

"Eid al-Adha", also known as "Qurbani Eid" or the "Festival" of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant "Islamic festivals" celebrated by Muslims around the world. Falling on the 10th day of "Dhul-Hijjah", the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, "Eid al-Adha" commemorates the unwavering faith, devotion, and obedience of "Prophet Ibrahim" (Abraham, peace be upon him) toward "Allah" (God).

Eid Al-Adah Celebrating at Hunza Gilgit 

Historical and Religious Significance

The essence of Eid al-Adha lies in the story of Prophet Ibrahim. According to Islamic tradition, Ibrahim had a dream in which Allah commanded him to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (Ishmael), as a test of faith. Without hesitation, both father and son submitted to God's will. As Ibrahim was about to carry out the command, Allah, seeing their sincerity and devotion, intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed instead.

This powerful act of obedience and trust in God's wisdom became a cornerstone of Islamic teachings. To commemorate this event, Muslims perform the ritual of Qurbani (sacrifice) each year during Eid al-Adha. The act is not just about slaughtering an animal—it is a deep spiritual practice that symbolizes submission to Allah, compassion for others, and the willingness to give up something valuable for the sake of righteousness.

The Ritual of Qurbani (Sacrifice)

Qurbani involves the slaughtering of a halal animal—typically a goat, sheep, cow, or camel—by Muslims who meet certain criteria (financially capable, adult, sane, and Muslim). The sacrifice must be done in a specific Islamic way, with the recitation of Bismillah, Allahu Akbar (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest), and under hygienic and humane conditions.

The meat from the sacrifice is divided into three equal parts:

One-third for the family of the person offering the Qurbani.

One-third for friends and relatives.

One-third for the poor and needy, ensuring that everyone, especially those in hardship, can partake in the celebrations.

This distribution fosters a spirit of generosity, equity, and community. It reinforces the importance of social responsibility and encourages Muslims to remember the less fortunate.

Eid Prayers and Traditions

The day of Eid al-Adha begins with a special congregational prayer known as Salat al-Eid. This prayer is offered in open grounds (Eidgah) or mosques shortly after sunrise and is followed by a sermon (khutbah) that highlights the meaning of sacrifice, unity, and the importance of maintaining one's faith.

Before attending the prayer, it is recommended for Muslims to:

Perform ghusl (ritual purification).

Wear their best clothes.

Apply perfume.

Eat something after the sacrifice (for those performing Qurbani) or after the Eid prayer if not.

After the prayer, Muslims greet one another with phrases like Eid Mubarak (Blessed Eid), visit family and friends, exchange gifts, and share meals that often include dishes prepared from the sacrificial meat.

Global Observance

Eid al-Adha is observed by Muslims across the globe, regardless of cultural or ethnic differences. Though traditions and foods may vary—Biryani in South Asia, kebabs in the Middle East, or grilled meats in Africa and Southeast Asia—the spirit of the celebration remains consistent: faith, sacrifice, gratitude, and community.

In many countries, Eid al-Adha is a public holiday. Families come together, children receive gifts and new clothes, and charitable acts are encouraged more than ever. Mosques, Islamic centers, and humanitarian organizations also organize collective sacrifices and meat distributions to ensure that no one is left out.

Connection to Hajj

Eid al-Adha also marks the culmination of the annual pilgrimage of Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam. Every year, millions of Muslims travel to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, after spending the night in Muzdalifah and performing the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina, pilgrims participate in the ritual sacrifice and then shave their heads (for men) or trim their hair (for women), signaling spiritual renewal.

For those not performing Hajj, Eid al-Adha serves as a time to spiritually connect with the global Muslim community and reflect on the values embodied by the pilgrimage—patience, humility, and submission to God.

Spiritual Lessons of Eid al-Adha

While the outward rituals of Eid al-Adha are visible and festive, its deeper meaning lies in the internal transformation it inspires. The holiday teaches several vital lessons:

Obedience and Trust in God: Like Ibrahim, Muslims are reminded to trust Allah's plan, even when it challenges their comfort or understanding.

Sacrifice for a Greater Good: Sacrificing personal desires or wealth for the benefit of others is a noble act in Islam. Eid promotes the idea of letting go of selfishness and becoming more selfless.

Empathy and Charity: Sharing meat with the poor brings attention to the importance of social justice, feeding the hungry, and caring for those in need.

Unity and Brotherhood: Muslims from all walks of life come together in celebration, highlighting the universality of the faith and the strength of communal bonds.

Modern-Day Qurbani: Ethical Considerations

In modern times, Qurbani practices are evolving. Many Muslims now opt to give their sacrifice through charitable organizations that perform the slaughter on their behalf and distribute the meat to impoverished communities in different parts of the world. This ensures that the meat reaches those who need it most—refugees, disaster-affected areas, or war zones.

There is also a growing emphasis on ethical and sustainable Qurbani practices—ensuring the animals are healthy, treated humanely, and slaughtered in compliance with both Islamic principles and local regulations. Environmental and animal welfare considerations are becoming more central in how Qurbani is approached in the 21st century.

Conclusion

Eid al-Adha is more than just a religious festival. It is a time of profound spiritual reflection, personal growth, and communal harmony. It honors a legacy of unwavering faith and sacrifice, while reminding Muslims to uphold values of compassion, generosity, and gratitude in their daily lives. Whether by standing in prayer, offering a sacrifice, feeding the hungry, or simply spending time with loved ones, Eid al-Adha invites every believer to renew their commitment to Allah and to the well-being of humanity.

As Muslims around the world gather to celebrate this sacred occasion, the message of Eid al-Adha resonates clearly: True devotion lies not just in ritual, but in action, and the most meaningful sacrifices are those made in love, humility, and sincerity.Top of Form