Eid ul Azha is a significant Islamic festival that marks the spirit of sacrifice. This Eid is celebrated on 10th of Zil Hajj – the last Islamic month. The Eid ul Azha is also called “Festival of Sacrifice” as the meaning of Eid is to celebrate and the word Azha refers to sacrifice.
Just like Eid ul Fitr, there are three days of Eid ul Azha as well. For this Eid, an animal like cow, goat or camel etc., is bought by the Muslims, which is then sacrificed mostly on first day of the Eid. The animal is slaughtered and sacrificed then divided into three parts: one part is for the poor and needy; second for the home and third one is given to the relatives. Sacrificing an animal on Eid al-Azha, is not obligatory, yet it is highly recommended.
“The Prophet (SAWW) is reported to have said that if a person, who has the resources to offer this sacrifice and thereby commemorate Ibrahim’s great act of submission, refrains from doing so, he may then not even come to the place of prayer and congregation of the Muslims.”
The origin of Eid ul Azha dates back to the time of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS). Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) was ordered by Allah in a dream to sacrifice the life of his son, Hazrat Ismail (AS). Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) obeyed the command of Allah and took his son with himself to Mount Arafat to cut his throat in order to sacrifice Hazrat Ismail’s (AS) life for the sake of Allah. But before Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) could cut the throat of his son, Allah (SWT) provided a lamb to be slaughtered and sacrificed instead. Thus, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) had passed the test of Allah despite the evil whisperings of Shaitan. So, in the remembrance of this incident, animals are slaughtered and sacrificed by the Muslims on Eid ul Azha.
“And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, “O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think. He said, “O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast. And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead. We called to him, “O Abraham! You have fulfilled the vision. Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.” (37: 102-105)
The above mentioned Quranic verses clearly state the incident of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS) that is very helpful for proper guidance.
Eid ul Azha reminds us about the Hazrat Ibrahim’s incidence of sacrifice and obedience of Allah (SWT). This Eid keeps us connected with the history of our religion. Every year, Muslims sacrifice different animals that refreshes the incident of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS).
Moreover, this Eid due to its origin gives us the opportunity to understand the importance of sacrifice. Furthermore, this Eid plays a great role in feeding the poor and needy people.
Thus, Eid ul Azha is very important for the moral and social betterment of the Muslims due to its origin. Also, the religious uplift of Muslims takes place at Eid ul Azha as Muslims willingly sacrifice the animal which is of good cost but they don’t care about the cost and slaughter the best in the way of Allah.
Lastly, Eid ul Azha is celebrated after Hajj and Muslims around the world take part in the great event of Eid by sacrificing of the animals.
