The day of Eid al-Adha is known all over the world as “Al Eid Al-Kabir“, or the Major Feast. It is distinguished from “Al-Eid Al-Saghir“, which is the Minor Feast, known also as Eid al-Fitr. This is actually celebrated by Muslims two months and ten days before the Major Feast. The word “Eid” means a recurring festival. The name of Eid al-Adha means the Feast of Sacrifice. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the lunar month of Dhul-Hijjah. On the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims proceed to the plains of the Mount of `Arafah, outside Makkah and they spend their time totally in worship. This is the core of the worship of Hajj, without which no Hajj is said to have been performed. On that evening, pilgrims proceed from Arafah to Muzdalifah. Early in the morning of the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrims having offered their prayers at Muzdalifah, proceed to the three pillars to cast seven stones at the symbols of Satan. This ceremony of casting stones has been performed since the days of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (peace be upon him).
It is a ceremony which indicates that one should cast away the evil of Satan repeatedly and resolve never to listen to him again, nor to succumb to temptations.
Charity is a regular all-time practice of helping the needy and no particular day is fixed for it. This is while sacrifice is an annual ritual, which is to be performed on the prescribed days commencing with Eid al-Adha. The symbolism is in the attitude – a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path.
In fact, the word for the casting process in Arabic is “rajm“, which means throwing of stones. Then, pilgrims return to Mina, with a pure slate of mind and heart, where they perform the sacrifice of animals. This process commemorates the event when Prophet Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his most beloved treasure, his son… It was his only son, whom he begot in old age after sincerely having implored Allah, for a son for a very long time. It was Ismail–his beloved and righteous son–who was destined also to become a prophet. He is known as “Adh-dhabih“, or the chosen sacrifice of Allah. Hajj is, in fact, considered a re-affirmation of the faith of Prophet Ibrahim, whom is considered the “father” of all prophets. For those who did not go to Hajj, this year–like most of us–it is celebrated as a feast. We begin with the prayers of Eid, following which, sacrifices of animals are made and the meat is shared with the poor. It is a pity that over scores of years, the act of sacrifice has lost its meaning. It has become a mere ritualistic performance among Muslims who sometimes slaughter goats, sheep and cows annually and mechanically, without understanding the underlying significance. There is a difference between mere charity and sacrifice. Charity is a regular all-time practice of helping the needy and no particular day is fixed for it. This is while sacrifice is an annual ritual, which is to be performed on the prescribed days commencing with Eid al-Adha. The symbolism is in the attitude – a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to Almight Allah, is willing to follow Allah’s commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that Almighty Allah desires from us. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah’s commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others. It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: “It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him” (Qur’an 22:37).
