Ilma Azmol
PS 156 Frederick Law Olmsted
Eid ul-Adha is a holiday recognized by all Muslims as a festival of sacrifice. It is on the 10th day of the last month of the lunar calendar (Thul-Hijjah), which coincides with Hajj; the Islamic pilgrimage in Makkah. The pilgrims on this day carry out the same rituals, as do Muslims within their homes. Eid-ul Adha is the greater Eid of the two annual celebrations. This day is superior to Eid ul- Fitr because of the special Qurbani sacrifice, which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his dedication to prioritizing God above all worldly matters. One day, the beloved friend of Allah was commanded by his Lord to slaughter his son; Ismael (peace be upon him) whom he loved dearly. Despite this, he readily approached his son to inform him, and he too agreed to the commitment. When Ibrahim (pbuh) attempted to begin the sacrifice, his son was found beside him and in his original place was an animal! Allah had tested his servant to a great capacity, which challenged his love and trust in Allah. We should pray that we pass the tests ordained by Allah for us, as did Ibrahim (pbuh). A Muslim is allowed to slaughter certain animals above a certain age in a halal manner, including cows, goats, and sheep. A cow (or similar sized animal) is shared among seven households typically, while animals of less weight are shared amongst one. Meat should be sectioned into three equal parts: for one’s family, friends as well as for the poor. Pilgrims during Hajj on this day also perform various, unique actions to please their Creator such as stoning the Jamaraat, or treading between the valleys of Safa and Marwa. The day of Eid ul- Adha should begin with the Fajr prayer, the Ghusl, and the following Eid prayer. It is worthy to note that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would not eat before and after the Eid prayer, and would break this abstinence with the consumption of the fresh meat that was sacrificed on that day. The sooner the Qurbani is completed, the greater the barakat (blessing) . It is reported that the Prophet also stored his meat beyond the consecutive days of the holiday, with the exception of a single year. Through his utmost wisdom, he commanded the Muslims of the time not store the meat, so that it may be distributed among the needy, who were outnumbered at the time. It is important to understand the significance of this day, and the purpose of the rituals performed to generate a happy and more meaningful Eid celebration.