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 that celebrations fall on is dependent on a legitimate sighting of the moon, following the completion of the annual Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj – which is an obligation for all Muslim’s who fit specific criteria, one of the important Five Pillars of Islam. The celebration of Eid-ul-Adha is to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah SWT and his readiness to sacrifice his son, Ismail. At the very point of sacrifice, Allah SWT replaced Ismail with a ram, which was to be slaughtered in place of his son. 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. Qurbani (sacrifice) is an ancient worship which has been in practice in all the Ummahs since forever as it is mentioned in Glorious Quran: And for every nation We have appointed a sacrifice; that they should mention the name of Allah over the mute animals which He has provided them.(Part 17, Surah Al-Hajj, Ayah 34). Apart from this brief description, if we study history in depth, it is revealed that all the Divine religions speak about Qurbani; furthermore, with the exception of a few, it is also mentioned in almost all the non-Divine religions. In addition to the commandment of Qurbani given to each Ummah, the Glorious Quran has also mentioned Qurbani while describing details of the different Ummahs. Regarding the incident of Haabeel and Qaabeel, taken place in the times of Sayyiduna Aadam (AS), it is stated in Glorious Quran: And recite to them the true story of the two sons of Aadam; when both of them offered separate sacrifices, so the sacrifice of one was accepted and the other one’s was not accepted. (Part 6, Surah Al-Ma`idah, Ayah 27). The present bible states about the Qurbani. Arranging and managing the whole process of Qurbani was one of the important responsibilities of their scholars and it was popular and well-known to such an extent that they had also placed this very condition even for embracing Islam. The Glorious Quran has stated their quote: Those who say, ‘Allah has made us promise, that we should not believe in any Messenger until he brings an order of a sacrifice, which a fire (from heaven) shall consume.’ (Part 4, Surah Aal-e-‘Imran, Ayah 183). Deen-e-Ibraheemi is the origin of Deen-e-Islam. In Deen-e-Ibraheemi, when Sayyiduna Ibraheem عَـلَيْـهِ الـصَّلٰوةُ وَالـسَّلَام was commanded to make an announcement of Hajj, at the same time the virtues of Qurbani of Hajj and its advantages and benefits were also stated: And publicly announce Hajj amongst the people, they will come to you on foot and on every skinny she-camel, coming from every far distant path. In order that they may gain their benefit, and mention the name of Allah on the known days because He has provided for them the mute animals, so eat from them yourself and feed the distressed destitute.(Part 17, Surah Al-Hajj, Ayah 27-28). Deen-e-Islam is the continuation of the same Deen-e-Ibraheemi, so, the orders of Qurbani are quite obvious in it. Each and every Muslim child is well aware of Hajj especially the Qurbani of Eid-ul-Adha. There are 5 kinds of Qurbani in Deen-e-Islam: First one, the Qurbani that has been mentioned in Hajj rites and is called “Hadyun” [ہدی]. As given in Surah Al-Ma`idah, Ayah 97, part 7. Second one, the Qurbani that is Wajib on the one performing Hajj Tamattu’[1] or Hajj Qiraan as mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 196, part 2. The third one is performed as expiation. For example Ihsaar or Janayat. It is mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 196, part 2. Fourth one, at the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha which is performed in the memory of the blessed Qurbani of Sayyiduna Ibraheem (AS). It is mentioned in Surah Al-Kawsar. The fifth type is ‘Aqeeqah’. It is performed on the occasion of a child’s birth as an indication of happiness and gratitude to Allah(SWT). It is proven by blessed Ahadees. A basic wisdom behind Qurbani is to spend wealth for the pleasure of Allah Almighty. It is for the reason, Qurbani holds a great importance and dignity in Islam. Furthermore, Allah Almighty has even declared it ‘شَعائر اللّٰہ’ i.e., ‘signs of Allah Almighty’. It is stated in the Glorious Quran: And the large sacrificial animals; We have made them amongst the symbols of Allah for you. (Part 17, Surah Al-Hajj, Ayah 36). Wisdom behind Qurbani – Qurbani carries much wisdom. Firstly, the basic meaning of Islam is to have a complete submission to the Divine command which the Qurbani actually demands. Secondly it involves eating and feeding the destitute and this wisdom is mentioned in Glorious Quran: So eat from it yourself and feed the one who patiently awaits and the beggar. (Part 17, Surah Al-Hajj, Ayah 36). Thirdly, through Qurbani, the excellent food, ‘meat’, reaches the poor and the destitute which they usually cannot buy. Fourthly, Qurbani expresses the rewards and favours bestowed upon Sayyiduna Ibraheem (AS) and it encourages people to show obedience. Fifthly, through Qurbani the people are made to believe firmly that all the acts of worship are [performed] exclusively for Allah(SWT).
“Eid-ul-Adha, a significant Islamic festival, symbolizes faith, sacrifice, unity, and community giving. Muslims globally celebrate with prayers, gifts, feasts, and acts of compassion and generosity.”
The polytheists of Arab associated the idols in physical and monetary acts of worship with Allah(SWT) in a way that they would reserve a share for them in farming, performing Sajdah and making Du’a, and would perform Qurbani in the name of idols. As Islam is a Deen-e-Tawheed (religion of monotheism), so, each and every act of worship has been declared [to be performed] specifically for Allah(SWT): And those people (of the Book) were ordered to worship Allah only, believing solely in Him, being on one side purely (i.e. towards Islam).(Part 30, Surah Al-Bayyinah, Ayah 5). It is for the reason, Salah, Sajdah, Zakah, Sawm, Hajj and all forms of worship are [performed] for Allah(SWT) alone. An objection to the Qurbani and its answer is – Some people comment in this way that the act of Qurbani kills the animal and wastes money. This amount should be spent for any national cause or be given to the poor. Here is an answer: First thing is that Allah(SWT) knows this benefit and loss better than us rather He(SWT) has commanded us to do so, therefore, the blessed commandment of ‘عالم الغیب والشھادۃ’ is most honourable to us. Second thing is that distributing meat of sacrificial animal amongst the poor has been declared a Mustahab act by Shari’ah. So, through this noble act, not only is the very basic need of the poor met but the Divine command is also acted upon. Third thing is that Wajib Qurbani should be performed according to Shari’ah whereas people can distribute amount of money in place of Nafli Qurbani if they want. No one has ever given any statement or remark such as ‘no poor person should be given even a rupee other than Wajib Qurbani’. Fourth thing is that instead of criticising and raising objections, they should spend billions of rupees for the poor which are invested in making dramas, movies and other such futile and luxurious activities. In short! The truth is that the poor can be helped through so many other ways but those who are disgusted with religion do not see other things. They become worried about the poor only when it comes to the occasion of Qurbani. Eid ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant religious holidays in the Islamic calendar. Celebrated by Muslims worldwide, it marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. This festival follows Eid ul-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, which celebrates the conclusion of a month-long fast and spiritual reflection. While Eid ul-Fitr focuses on communal prayers, feasting, and charity to mark the end of Ramadan, Eid ul-Adha emphasises sacrifice, devotion, and the spirit of sharing. The celebrations of Eid ul Adha are imbued with a profound sense of gratitude and reverence, reflecting the core values of faith, charity, and community. During Eid ul-Adha, Muslims engage in various religious and cultural practices that highlight the significance of sacrifice and the importance of supporting those in need. The festival serves as a reminder of the ultimate act of devotion by Prophet Ibrahim, and the rituals performed during this time reinforce the principles of compassion, generosity, and humility. As Muslims around the world come together to celebrate, Eid ul-Adha fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose within the global Muslim community. Traditionally, As part of the celebrations, it is customary for Muslims to wear new or their best clothes on Eid ul-Adha. This practice signifies the joy and festive nature of the occasion. Wearing new clothes is also seen as a way of showing respect for the significance of the festival. These traditions and customs of Eid ul-Adha highlight the festival’s focus on faith, community, and charity. Through prayer, sacrifice, and acts of generosity, Muslims around the world come together to celebrate and uphold the values that are central to their faith. The celebratory atmosphere continues with elaborate feasts that feature traditional dishes and delicacies. Special dishes, often prepared with the meat from the sacrificial animal, take centre stage on the dining table, symbolizing the spirit of sacrifice and sharing. Many individuals extend their generosity by donating to charitable causes and providing food, clothing, and other essentials to those in need. This act of kindness and compassion embodies the true spirit of Eid-ul-Adha, reminding us of the importance of empathy and selflessness. In conclusion, Eid-ul-Adha is a significant Islamic festival that symbolizes faith, sacrifice, and unity. Muslims worldwide come together to honour Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering devotion and perform acts of gratitude and obedience to Allah. The festival includes special prayers, gift exchanges, and feasting on traditional dishes. It also emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community. Eid-ul-Adha unites Muslims in celebrating their faith and embracing compassion and generosity. “Celebrate Eid not only through rituals but through acts.
(The authors write regularly on Islamic Topics exclusively for the opinion pages of “Kashmir Horizon”. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Dr. Bilal A Bhat
[email protected]
Intizar Ahmad
[email protected]
