Quranic Verses Related to Eid al-Adha
The Holy Quran contains verses that indirectly reference Eid al-Adha. The following verses are particularly significant:
- Allah, the Exalted, states: (And when he reached with him [the age of] work, he said, “O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you, so see what you think.” He said, “O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, among the patient.)
- Allah, the Exalted, also mentions: (Say, “In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy – in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate.)
General Information About Eid al-Adha
Here are some important facts that every Muslim should know about Eid al-Adha:
- Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, a date that is agreed upon by Muslims. A key practice during this auspicious occasion is the Eid prayer, which consists of two units and is performed after the sun has risen to a level equivalent to a spear.
- On this blessed day, Muslims seek closeness to Allah, the Almighty, by sacrificing animals after the Eid prayer, with a portion of the meat distributed to the poor and needy.
- During Eid, there is an emphasis on remembrance, glorification, and gratitude towards Allah, the Exalted, for His innumerable blessings. Among the greatest of these blessings is the gift of Islam and the guidance provided by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
- Eid al-Adha was instituted during the time of performing the pilgrimage (Hajj). Allah, the Almighty, established specific times for Hajj, including the Day of Arafah, the Day of Sacrifice, and the Days of Tashreeq. This period is designated for the execution of this religious obligation, with the celebration of Eid occurring afterward, bringing together those who have fulfilled their Hajj rituals.
- Both Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr were ordained in the second year of the Hijra of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Upon migrating to Medina, the Prophet discovered that the Ansar had two pre-Islamic celebrations: one known as the Festival of Nawruz and the other as the Festival of Mehrjan. The Prophet (peace be upon him) prohibited these festivities, informing them that Allah had designated for Muslims two far better celebrations: Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr.
Prophetic Traditions Pertaining to Eid al-Adha
The following Hadiths elucidate the significance of Eid al-Adha:
- Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: (I witnessed the Eid with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), whether it was Eid al-Adha or Eid al-Fitr. He said, “Yes, had I not been small in stature, I would not have witnessed it.” The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came out, performed the prayer, and then delivered the sermon without mentioning the call to prayer or the Iqamah. He then approached the women, advising and reminding them, and commanded them to give in charity. I saw them putting their hands to their ears and necks, giving to Bilal. Then he and Bilal returned to his house.)
- Aisha, the Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her), narrated: (Abu Bakr entered upon me while the Prophet (peace be upon him) was with me on the day of Eid, either Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha. There were two female singers with me singing about what the Ansar had said during the Battle of Buwath. Abu Bakr said, “Musical instruments of the devil?” twice. The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, “Leave them, Abu Bakr, for every people has an Eid, and this is our Eid today.”)