What does 'Eid-ul-Adha' mean?
The word 'Eid' means 'recurring happiness and festivity'. 'Adha'
means 'sacrifice'.
Why do Muslims celebrate it?
This is
the greater of the two major Eid festivals in Islam. It is on the 10th day of
the month "Dhul Hijja (ذو الحجة)" in the
Muslim calendar and marks the end of the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). The
Hajj is completed by the sacrificing of an animal (Sheep). Muslims throughout
the world also sacrifice an animal (often called Qurban) in commemoration of
Prophet Abraham sacrifice in place of his son. The incident shows that Abraham
had totally submitted to Allah and was prepared to sacrifice anything for His
pleasure. Muslims should look to this example for the meaning of The festival
of Sacrifice.
It is
also a day in which Muslims remember the deceased, visit the sick, see family
and friends, overlook grudges, help the needy and in general show kindness and
generosity to all those that we know. It is also a day for rejoicing and
celebrating by getting involved in good, clean, halal enjoyment.
Is The festival of Sacrifice for
the Muslims the same as Christmas for the Christians?
No!
Whereas Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Christ, according to
Christians, The festival of Sacrifice
is a day of thanksgiving, rejoicing and forgiveness for the Muslims.
What is done on the morning of
The
festival of Sacrifice?
A
Muslim wakes up early on Eid morning and has a bath before getting changed into
his/her best (not necessarily new) clothes.
Do Muslims have to wear particular clothing
before going to pray Eid?
The
Prophet said that we should wear our best clothes on Eid day but did not state
that any particular clothing should be worn.
Who in my family should go to pray
The festival of Sacrifice?
The
Prophet encouraged all Muslims males and females to go for the Eid prayers. It
should also be noted that the Eid prayer has the same status as Tarawih prayer
during Ramadan. It is compulsory on the Muslims as are the five daily prayers.
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