Eid al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims worldwide. This year, Eid al Adha is expected to be observed on Sunday, June 16th, 2024, although the exact date is contingent on the sighting of the moon of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and last month of the Islamic Calendar.
Significance of Eid al Adha
Eid al Adha commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah before Allah intervened to provide him with a lamb to sacrifice instead. This event symbolizes unwavering faith, submission, and trust in Allah’s will. The celebration is marked by the act of Qurbani, where Muslims around the world perform animal sacrifices, typically of a lamb, sheep, goat, or camel, to remember Ibrahim’s (A.S.) act of faith.
Prophet’s Sunnah
During Eid al Adha, Muslims are encouraged to follow several Sunnahs (practices of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH) to enhance the spiritual significance of the celebration:
- Wake up early in the morning and perform the Eid prayer.
- Take a bath before the Eid prayer.
- Dress in the best clothes available, which is a sign of respect and celebration.
- Apply perfume before going out.
- Recite the Takbeer (saying “Allahu Akbar”) on the way to the prayer and until the beginning of the Eid prayer.
- If possible, walk to the prayer ground.
- Take one route to the prayer ground and return by another route.
- Perform the Qurbani after the Eid prayer and can be done until the sunset of the last day of Tashreeq (the 13th of Dhul Hijjah).
- Divide the meat from the Qurbani into three equal parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy.
How is Eid al Adha Observed?
Eid al Adha is observed with a series of religious and social practices that reflect the spirit of sacrifice and charity. Here’s how it is typically celebrated:
- Morning Prayers: The day begins with Muslims performing the Eid Salah, which is a special prayer performed during Eid.
- Qurbani: Muslims perform animal sacrifices, typically of a lamb, sheep, goat, or camel, to remember Ibrahim’s (A.S.) act of faith.
- Sharing the Meat: The meat from the Qurbani is divided into three equal parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy.
- Social Gatherings: Eid al Adha is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate the festival.
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Official Links
- Islamic Finder: For more information on Eid al Adha 2024, including the tentative date and Sunnahs to follow, visit Islamic Finder.
- BBC Bitesize: Learn more about Eid ul-Adha, including its significance and how it is observed, on BBC Bitesize.
- Rajasthan Government: For detailed information on Eid al Adha 2024, including its date and practices, visit the Rajasthan Government website.