Eid al-Adha

The “Festival of Sacrifice,” Eid al-Adha is the holiest of Islamic celebrations, commemorating Abraham’s (Ibrahim’s) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. Coinciding with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Muslims worldwide perform ritual animal sacrifice, share meat with the poor, and celebrate faith, obedience, and divine mercy.

Origins and Significance

The Story of Abraham’s Sacrifice

Quranic Account (Surah 37:99-113):

Abraham prays for a righteous son. Allah grants him a son. When the boy reaches adolescence, Abraham receives a vision commanding him to sacrifice his son.

“O my son, I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you. What do you think?”

The son replies: “O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, patient.”

Abraham prepares to sacrifice his son. At the crucial moment, Allah provides a ram to sacrifice instead:

“O Abraham, you have fulfilled the vision. Thus do We reward those who do good. This was indeed a clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.”

Which Son?

Islamic Tradition Debate:

• Majority view: Ishmael (Ismail) - firstborn son
• Minority view: Isaac (Ishaq)
• Quran doesn’t specify by name
• Connection to Hajj in Mecca (associated with Ishmael and Hagar)

Jewish/Christian Tradition: Isaac (Genesis 22)

Theological Point: The identity matters less than the lesson—absolute submission to Allah

Historical Connection to Hajj

Pilgrimage Climax:

• Eid al-Adha occurs on 10th Dhul Hijjah
• Same day pilgrims complete most Hajj rituals
• Pilgrims sacrifice animals in Mina
• Muslims worldwide join in sacrifice
• Unity of Ummah—pilgrims and non-pilgrims together

Theological Significance

Submission to Allah

Ultimate Obedience:

• Abraham willing to sacrifice most precious possession
• Son willing to be sacrificed
• Both submit completely to Allah’s will
• Islam means “submission”—Abraham exemplifies it

Trial of Faith:

• Greatest test of devotion
• Choosing Allah over everything
• Trusting divine wisdom even when incomprehensible
• Model for all believers

Divine Mercy

The Ransom:

• Allah doesn’t desire human sacrifice
• Provides ram as substitute
• Tests obedience but shows mercy
• Intention matters more than execution

Lesson: Allah tests faith but always provides relief for those who trust Him

Sacrifice in Islam

Spiritual Meaning: Quran 22:37: “It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him.”

• Physical sacrifice symbolizes spiritual submission
• Outward act reflects inner devotion
• Sharing meat expresses compassion and charity
• Remembering Allah’s blessings

Abraham as Model

Father of Prophets:

• Revered by Jews, Christians, Muslims
• Model of faith (hanif—monotheist)
• Forefather of Arabs (through Ishmael) and Jews (through Isaac)
• Rebuilt Kaaba with Ishmael
• Exemplar of submission

The Qurbani (Sacrifice)

The Ritual

Requirements:

• Who: Obligatory on those who can afford (varies by school)
• When: From after Eid prayer on 10th until sunset on 13th Dhul Hijjah
• What: Sheep, goat, cow, camel (specific age and health requirements)
• How: Halal slaughter—swift, humane, in Allah’s name

Saying at Slaughter: “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest)

Distribution of Meat

Traditional Division (thirds):

1. One-third for family
2. One-third for relatives and friends
3. One-third for the poor and needy

Flexibility: Can give more to poor; minimum is some to charity

Purpose:

• Ensures poor have meat (often rare luxury)
• Strengthens community bonds
• Sharing Allah’s blessings
• Expressing gratitude through generosity

Modern Practices

Urban Challenges:

• Limited space for home slaughter
• Hygiene and disposal concerns
• Professional slaughterhouses
• Organized charity distributions

Sacrifice by Proxy:

• Donating to organizations that slaughter and distribute
• Sacrifices in other countries on donor’s behalf
• International aid organizations facilitate
• Feeding refugees and poor globally

Regulations:

• Government oversight in many countries
• Health and safety standards
• Environmental considerations
• Animal welfare emphasis

The Day of Arafah

9th Dhul Hijjah

For Pilgrims:

• Most important day of Hajj
• Standing at Mount Arafah
• Where Adam and Eve reunited (tradition)
• Prophet Muhammad’s Farewell Sermon location

For Non-Pilgrims:

• Recommended to fast
• Expiates sins of previous and coming year
• Special day of forgiveness
• Preparation for Eid

Spiritual Significance:

• Foretaste of Day of Judgment (all standing before Allah)
• Day of divine mercy
• Allah descends close (metaphorically) to accept prayers
• Most prayers answered

Eid al-Adha Celebration

The Eid Prayer

Early Morning Congregation:

• After sunrise, before noon
• Large gatherings at mosques or prayer grounds
• Two rak’ah prayer
• Special takbirs
• Khutbah emphasizing sacrifice, obedience, charity

Before Prayer:

• Ghusl (ritual bath)
• Best clothes
• Perfume
• NOT eating before prayer (unlike Eid al-Fitr)
• Wait until after sacrifice to eat

Takbir

From Fajr of 9th Through 13th:

“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd”

Recited:

• After each obligatory prayer
• Throughout the days
• Proclaiming Allah’s greatness
• Joyful atmosphere

Festivities

Four-Day Celebration:

• Visiting family and friends
• Festive meals (including sacrificed meat)
• Gift-giving
• New clothes
• Community events
• Public holidays

Foods:

• Meat dishes (biryani, kebabs, curries)
• Regional specialties
• Sweets and desserts
• Festive breads

Regional Traditions

Middle East

Saudi Arabia:

• Millions of pilgrims in Mecca
• Massive sacrifice operations in Mina
• Meat distributed globally
• Family celebrations

Egypt/Levant:

• Fattah (meat with bread and rice)
• Family gatherings
• Visiting graves
• Children’s gifts

South Asia

Pakistan/India/Bangladesh:

• Qurbani major event
• Cow or goat sacrifice common
• Elaborate meat distribution
• Eidi for children
• Biryani and meat dishes

Southeast Asia

Indonesia/Malaysia:

• Community sacrifice events
• Rendang and satay
• Mosque-organized distributions
• Traditional dress
• Open houses

Africa

North Africa:

• Sheep sacrifice most common
• Couscous and tajine
• Family feasts
• Traditional music

Sub-Saharan:

• “Tabaski” in West Africa
• Community prayers and celebrations
• Often biggest celebration of year
• Generous hospitality

Turkey and Central Asia

Turkey:

• “Kurban Bayramı”
• 4-day national holiday
• Family visits
• Traditional foods
• Organized sacrifice locations

Central Asia:

• Revived traditions post-Soviet
• Blending of customs
• Growing observance

Western Diaspora

Europe/Americas:

• Organized sacrifice events
• Professional facilities
• Community gatherings
• Interfaith outreach
• Explaining significance to broader society

Spiritual Dimensions

Sacrifice and Devotion

Willingness to Give Up:

• What are we willing to sacrifice for Allah?
• Materialism vs. spiritual priorities
• Obedience even when difficult
• Trust in Allah’s wisdom

Empathy and Charity

Remembering the Poor:

• Mandatory sharing of meat
• Those who can’t afford meat receive it
• Reduces inequality
• Strengthens social fabric
• Compassion in action

Ummah Unity

Global Synchronization:

• Millions at Hajj
• Billions celebrating worldwide
• Same day, same purpose
• Transcending borders and differences
• Unity in diversity

Gratitude

Recognizing Blessings:

• Allah provides for us
• We have what Abraham was asked to give up
• Thankfulness expressed through sharing
• Acknowledging Allah’s mercy

Theological Themes

Tawhid (Oneness of Allah)

Monotheism Central:

• Abraham rejected idolatry
• Willing to sacrifice everything for One God
• No partners with Allah
• Pure worship

Tawakkul (Trust in Allah)

Complete Reliance:

• Abraham trusted despite not understanding
• Allah’s plan is perfect
• Surrendering control
• Faith in divine wisdom

Ihsan (Excellence in Worship)

Performing Best:

• Best animal for sacrifice
• Best clothes for Eid
• Best behavior toward others
• Excellence in all aspects

Rahma (Divine Mercy)

Allah’s Compassion:

• Provides ram as substitute
• Doesn’t desire hardship
• Tests followed by relief
• Mercy encompasses all

Modern Challenges and Considerations

Animal Welfare

Islamic Requirements:

• Healthy, well-treated animals
• Humane slaughter
• Quick, painless death
• Animal not witnessing others being slaughtered

Contemporary Debates:

• Industrial farming concerns
• Ethical treatment
• Environmental impact
• Balancing tradition with welfare

Waste Prevention

Islamic Prohibition of Waste:

• Use all parts of animal
• Proper storage and distribution
• Don’t slaughter more than can be used
• Environmental responsibility

Modern Solutions:

• Freezing and preservation
• Organized distributions
• Feeding programs
• Efficiency in sacrifice

Commercialization

Concerns:

• Focus on ritual over meaning
• Expensive animals as status symbols
• Neglecting spiritual dimension
• Debt for celebration

Returning to Purpose:

• Emphasize spiritual meaning
• Simple, meaningful sacrifice
• Prioritize charity over ostentation

The Message of Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha presents one of faith’s hardest tests: Will you sacrifice what you love most for God? Abraham’s answer echoes through millennia: Yes.

But the story doesn’t end with sacrifice—it ends with mercy. Allah provides a way out. The son is spared. The ram is substituted. Obedience is rewarded, not punished.

This is Islam’s message: Complete submission to Allah, matched by complete trust in His mercy. Sacrifice what He asks, and He will provide what you need.

The meat distributed to the poor transforms personal devotion into social justice. The sacrifice isn’t complete when the animal dies—it’s complete when the hungry are fed, when the community is strengthened, when Allah’s blessings are shared.

As the Quran declares: “It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him.” (22:37)

The knife in Abraham’s hand wasn’t aimed at his son—it was aimed at ego, attachment, disobedience. Those are what Allah asks us to sacrifice: our will for His will, our desires for His commands, our pride for His glory.

Every Eid al-Adha, Muslims worldwide reenact Abraham’s submission. Not because Allah needs meat, but because we need to remember what faithfulness looks like. Complete trust. Total obedience. Absolute surrender.

And in that surrender, paradoxically, we find freedom—free from materialism, free from selfishness, free from the tyranny of our own desires.

“O my son, I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you. What do you think?”

“O my father, do as you are commanded.”

This is faith. This is Islam. This is Eid al-Adha.

Eid Mubarak! May Allah accept our sacrifices and our devotion.

Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum.