Eid ul Adha

On the 10th day of Zul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic hijri calendar, Muslims around the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha which is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice.

During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice everything for sake of Allah, including the life of his son Ismael, by sacrificing an animal such as a sheep, cow, camel, or goat. 

The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is then distributed. One-third is eaten by immediate family, one-third is given away to friends and relatives, and one-third is donated to the poor. This is to symbolize that all blessings come from Allah, and Muslims should open our hearts and share their bounties with others, especially those who are poor and in need.

The intention of the sacrifice should be obedience to Allah and feeling of generosity towards fellow human beings rather than show of wealth or social consequences, as stated in the Qur'an:

"It is not their meat nor the blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37). 

Muslim festivals: Why Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated

Islamic festivals: The spirit behind Eid -ul-Adha

Reflections: Eid-al-Adha

Muslim celebrations: How Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated in Nigeria

Eid-ul-Adha Traditions

The Sunnahs that the Muslim should observe on the day of Eid are as follows: 

1 - Take a full bath before going out for the Eid prayers.

2 - Adorn oneself on the occasion of Eid by wearing best clothes and using perfume etc.

3 - Recite takbeer on the way to the "eidgah" the open grounds where Eid prayers are held.

4 -- Perform the animal sacrifice as soon as possible after returning home from Eid prayer

5--Eat after the prayers on Eid al-Adha and not before. It was the custom of Prophet Muhammad [may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] to fast from morning till the sacrifice, and break his fast with the cooked meat.

6 - Offer good wishes to other Muslims by saying Eid Mubarak or "May Allah accept (good deeds) from us and from you."

7 - Distribute fresh meat among neighbors, relatives and friends as a sign of generosity and charity.