عيد الأضحى

Eid-ul-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice) is the more significant of the two Islamic Eids, observed on 10th Dhu al-Hijjah — the day after the pilgrims of Hajj stand on Arafat. It is considered the greatest day of the entire year in the sight of Allah SWT — the Prophet ﷺ said: "The greatest day in the sight of Allah is the Day of Sacrifice." (Abu Dawud). Eid al-Adha commemorates the supreme trial of Prophet Ibrahim A.S when Allah SWT commanded him in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son Ismail A.S.

Both father and son submitted completely to Allah's command — Ibrahim A.S laid his son down and placed the blade to his throat, while young Ismail A.S said: "O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, among the patient." (37:102). At that moment, Allah SWT called out: "O Ibrahim!

You have fulfilled the vision!" (37:104-105) — and a magnificent ram from Paradise was sent down to be sacrificed in place of Ismail A.S. This event established the institution of Qurbani (animal sacrifice) in Islam — an act of worship obligatory upon every financially able Muslim. Acceptable animals include goats, sheep, cows, buffaloes, and camels, slaughtered after the Eid prayer.

The meat is divided into three equal parts: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and neighbors, and one-third for the poor and needy. The day begins with the Eid prayer (two rak'ahs with additional Takbeers), followed by the Khutbah, and then the Qurbani is performed. Muslims wear their best clothes, exchange greetings of "Eid Mubarak," visit family and friends, and share meals together.

The Takbeer-e-Tashreeq continues to be recited after every Fardh prayer from the 9th to the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah. Eid al-Adha is a day of profound spiritual reflection on the meaning of submission to Allah SWT and the beautiful example of Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail A.S — teaching us that true faith means being willing to sacrifice our most beloved possessions for Allah.