--== Eid-Ul-Adha Mubarak ==--

by **AvijatriK** on 06 Nov 2011, 10:55

Assalaamu alaikum [Peace be to you],

in This occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, I'd like to say EID MUBARAK for all muslims here in Doridro.com and for all the muslim nation around the world. may Allah forgive our sins and accept us, in sha'Allah.

so, to let my dear muslim & non-muslim watchers and visitors understand a little, please read the following:

What is Eid ul-Adha?

At the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mekkah), Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid ul-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). in the 10th day of the last month of the Muslim lunar calendar. the celebration goes for 3 days.

What does Eid ul-Adha commemorate?

During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Ibrahim [Abraham] -peace be upon him-.
The Qur'an describes Ibrahim as follows:
"Surely Ibrahim was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous."
(The holy Qur'an 16:120-121)

One of Ibrahim's main trials -peace be upon him- was to face the command of God to sacrifice his only son: Ismael* [Ishmael] -peace be upon him-. (The Jews and Christians believe the child in this story is not Ismael, but his brother Isaac -peace be upon them-.) Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to God's will. When he was all prepared to do it, God revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superceded all others, that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.

* at the time of the sacrifice, Ibrahim had only one son, the eldest one: Ismael. but later in his life, he got his second son Isaac from his first wife Sarah -peace be upon them.

Why do Muslims sacrifice an animal on this day?

During the celebration of Eid ul-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Ibrahim's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.

Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.

The meat from the sacrifice of Eid ul-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. 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 like some people may think. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations (before Islam): "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (The holy Qur'an 22:37)

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 the Lord, is willing to follow Allah's commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.

What else do Muslims do to celebrate the holiday?

On the first morning of Eid ul-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosques. Prayers are followed by visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts. At some point, members of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise will make arrangements for the slaughter of an animal. The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter.

....EiD MuBaRaK....