Eid ul Adha –  A Celebration of Sacrifice & Spiritual Renewal

Eid ul Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the most important Islamic festivals celebrated worldwide each year. This joyous occasion, observed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, commemorates the remarkable act of obedience demonstrated by the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) . Muslims around the world celebrate this festival by sacrificing animals and distributing the meat among family, friends, and the less fortunate. Additionally, the day before Eid ul Adha holds immense significance as Arafah Day, a pivotal day during the Hajj pilgrimage. On this day, Muslims gather on the plains of Arafah near Mecca to seek forgiveness and engage in profound acts of worship.

The Story of Sacrifice:
The origins of Eid ul Adha lie in the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) as an act of obedience to Allah’s command. However, before the sacrifice could take place, Allah provided a lamb as a substitute. This narrative symbolises the significance of sacrifice, obedience, and trust in Allah’s will. In commemoration of this event, Muslims worldwide perform the ritual sacrifice of an animal, such as a sheep, goat, or cow, during Eid ul Adha. The meat is divided into three parts: one for personal consumption, one for relatives and friends, and one for the neighbours and the less fortunate in the community.
Arafah Day: Seeking Forgiveness and Spiritual Renewal:
Arafah Day, observed on the day before Eid ul Adha, is a highly significant day for Muslims, particularly for those performing the Hajj pilgrimage. As part of the Hajj journey, pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat near Mecca to engage in acts of worship, seeking forgiveness and closeness to Allah. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of repentance, mercy, and spiritual cleansing. Muslims spend the day in prayer, supplication, and reflection, seeking forgiveness for their past sins and striving for personal and spiritual growth.
The Significance of Arafah Day:
“The day Allah (SWT) releases souls from Hell.”
Arafah Day holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. It is considered one of the most important days in Islam, as described by the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). He emphasized the significance of this day by stating, “The best day with Allah is the Day of Arafah.” Muslims believe that sincere prayers and supplications made on this day hold great value, and Allah’s mercy and forgiveness are abundantly bestowed upon those who seek them.
This day holds importance because of the following reasons:
1. Allah (swt) swears by this day in the Qur’an. 2. It is a day of immense forgiveness.
The Prophet (saw) said, ‘There is no day on which Allah (swt) frees people from the Fire more so than on the Day of ‘Arafah. Indeed, He draws near and then boasts of them to the angels then says, “What do these want?” [Muslim].
3. It is when the religion of Islam was perfected. Laylat al-Qadr is the night when the Qur’an was first sent down. Meanwhile, the Day of ‘Arafah is the day when Allah perfected our beautiful religion of Islam.
4. It is the day when the Prophet (SAW) gave his last sermon
5. It is the essence of Hajj
6. It is when Allah (SWT) descends down from the sky
7. It is the greatest day of the Islamic Year.
The Importance of Unity and Reflection:
Both Eid ul Adha and Arafah Day underscore the importance of unity and reflection in the Islamic faith. Eid ul Adha brings communities together as families, friends, and neighbors come together to share meals, exchange gifts, and extend their support to those in need. The act of sacrificing an animal serves as a reminder of the significance of selflessness, generosity, and care for others.
Eid ul Adha and Arafah Day hold profound significance for Muslims around the world. They commemorate the steadfastness, obedience, and trust demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and provide opportunities for believers to seek forgiveness, engage in acts of worship, and renew their commitment to Allah. These celebrations remind Muslims of the values of sacrifice, unity, and compassion, fostering a sense of community and reinforcing the principles of their faith. May Eid ul Adha and Arafah Day bring blessings, joy, and spiritual fulfilment to Muslims worldwide.

– Er Aausyf Farooq can be reached at aasifhussain14@gmail.com & Meer Harriss Turabii at haristurabi02@gmail.com