A Brief Introduction:
Allah Almighty gave Muslims an opportunity to rejoice twice a year. One is Eid ul Fitr and the other one is Eid ul Adha. Both Eids give us a chance to cheer and celebrate our happiness. Islam is a complete code of life. On one side, it gives us a code of religious rituals to please Allah SWT. These religious rituals include Eidain, which is meant to celebrate and have fun.
Table of Contents
Date of Eid ul Adha 2024:
This year Eid ul Adha will be celebrated on Monday, 17th June 2024. The exact date will be announced by the Moon Sighting Committee on 1st Dul’Hajj.
Understanding Eid ul Adha:
The literal meaning of Eid ul Adha is the “Festival of Sacrifice”. Muslims celebrate Eid ul Adha to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim AS. Allah Almighty ordered him to slaughter his son, Prophet Ismael AS. He accepted the order and took him to slaughter. But Allah Almighty replaced His son with a Ram. This was a great blessing of Allah to accept Prophet Ibrahim AS’s sacrifice without being his son slaughtered. Muslims commemorate the event by sacrificing different cattle on the eve of Eid ul Adha.
Significance and Purpose of Eid ul Adha:
Eid ul Adha bears great importance for the believers. It allows us to share our happiness with fellow Muslims, especially with the destitute ones. The well-to-do Muslims slaughter cattle according to their financial capacity. They distribute the meat to the poor. They distribute it among nears and dears. In this way, they celebrate happiness by sharing happiness.
This Eid is a reflection of faith, obedience, and submission of a believer to Allah SWT’s will.
Preparations of Eid ul Adha 2024:
Muslims start preparations for Eid ul Adha even before Eid. The preparations include;
- Announcement of the festival is done by the Moon Sighting Committee in our country. That is the formal beginning of the festival.
- A Muslim should prepare himself mentally and spiritually for Eid ul Adha. It is not only a festival; it includes certain preparations that are truly religious.
- Cleaning the home, shopping, and decorating the home are physical preparations that we do on Eid ul Adha.
- Gathering supplies for sacrifice like cattle is an important part of the preparation for Eid ul Adha.
The Day of Eid ul Adha:
- On Eid ul Adha morning, the believers wake up early in the morning, for Fajar prayer.
- A sermon is delivered after the Fajar prayer. This sermon has a unique significance for the believers.
- After the sermon, Muslims offer the Eid prayer.
- After Eid prayers, Muslims meet and greet one another to congratulate on the eve of Eid.
Performing Qurbani: (Animal Sacrifice)
On the eve of Eid ul Adha, Muslims around the globe sacrifice cattle. We do the sacrifice to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim AS. It is a symbolic expression of the submission of a Muslim to Allah’s will. It is a gesture of the believers to memorize the importance of obedience to Allah SWT.
Animals that are sacrificed must be completely healthy.
There should be no physical injury. We can sacrifice goats, ewes, rams, camels, cows, buffalo, etc. Sacrifice can be done on three consecutive days of Eid ul Adha.
According to Islamic teachings, we should divide the meat into three portions. One is for the poor, the second one for relatives and friends, and the third one is for personal use. This distributing pattern must be followed.
Eid ul Adha Festivities:
Eid ul Dha is a religious event, but it is full of festivities and celebrations.
Muslims enjoy family gatherings, traditional delicacies, and delicious meals.
People exchange gifts with one another and give alms.
People visit their family and friends to meet and greet on Eid day.
Children play games and enjoy different activities with their friends and cousins.
Donate Qurbani with QuranHost and make your sacrifice:
Faqs about Eid ul Adha:
What is the difference between Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha?
Eid ul Fitr is celebrated after fasting for the entire month of Ramadan. It is a festival that Allah SWT has blessed us with as a reward for fasting.While Eid ul Adha is celebrated to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim AS.
Why is Eid ul Adha also called the Festival of Qurbani?
This Eid is also called “Eid e Qurban as Muslims around the globe sacrifice cattle to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim AS.
How do we determine the date of Eid ul Adha every year?
The date of Eid ul Adha is determined by the Moon Sighting Committee every year. The procession of this committee is held on the 29th of every Lunar Islamic calendar. This committee decides the last date of Eid ul Adha.
Can Non-Muslims participate in celebrations of Eid ul Adha?
Yes, non-Muslims can participate in the celebrations of Eid ul Adha.
What are the key rituals and practices during Eid ul Adha?
To sacrifice cattle to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim AS is the key ritual of Eid ul Adha. Distribution of meat, enjoying delicious meals, family gatherings, and combined dinners and lunches are beautiful traditional practices of Eid ul Adha.
How can one contribute to charitable causes on Eid ul Adha?
We can contribute to charitable causes on Eid ul Adha. We can do sacrifices. We can contribute to collective animal sacrifice arranged by different Quran institutes like QuranHost. This is one of the best ways to contribute to charity on Eid ul Adha.
Conclusion:
Eid ul Adha 2024 is one of the most beautiful religious festivals. Muslims around the globe celebrate Eid ul Adha with great religious zeal. In this event, all Muslims show the qualities of brotherhood and unity. when Muslims help the poor Muslims. On this occasion, Muslims perform Hajj. QuranHost is offering a combined sacrifice on this occasion. You can donate to be a part of this collective sacrifice. This is the right time to help the less fortunate Muslims around the globe.