Allah sent 124,000 Prophets to the Earth, each with the same messages to deliver “Allah and His obedience.” These messages include obeying Allah, promoting humanity, and keeping others happy. Therefore, to spread smiles on the faces of His followers, Allah told us to celebrate two Eids a year: Eid Ul Fitr and Eid Ul Adha. These Islamic events have different dates but propose the same message and spread happiness among the nation.
This article aims to tell you much about this sacred event, not just ways to celebrate it. We will start by defining and understanding the meaning of this Eid, its history, importance and message, and ways to celebrate it in 2025. At the end, we will answer your questions as well. Let’s start this discussion by understanding this specific day.
Eid Ul Adha and Its Meaning
Eid al-Adha, also called the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is a major Islamic occasion. Both of these Eids take place on different dates; Eid Ul-Fitr takes place on the first Shiwwal, while Eid Ul-Adha is 10 Zillhajj, the final day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. All Muslims who can afford it should make the Hajj journey at least once in their lifetime. Approximately two million people undertake the Hajj pilgrimage each year.
History of Eid Ul Adha
Eid al-Adha has a story rooted in unwavering faith. According to the Quran, Allan commanded Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Hazrat Ismail, as a test of devotion. The father got ready to obey and prepared for the sacrifice because the test taker was none but Allah Almighty. But before the act, Allah took part and provided a lamb to be sacrificed instead. This commemorates Hazrat Ibrahim’s willingness to obey and emphasizes the significance of obedience and sacrifice in Islam. It is how the celebration of this Eid took place, and the Muslim community will commemorate it till the day of judgment.
Importance of This Day
The above content must have told you about the importance of this Eid from an Islamic perspective. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering obedience to Allah’s command to sacrifice his son Hazrat Ismail, a prophet. Muslims learn about devotion, submission, and putting faith above all else through this act.
During Eid ul-Adha, we gather with family and friends, offer prayers, share meals, and distribute meat to those in need. But why is Eid ul-Adha important? This festival embodies the values of sacrifice and obedience to Allah, as highlighted in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Understanding the Eid ul-Adha meaning helps us appreciate its deeper significance in fostering community and compassion. The Eid ul-Adha in the Quran reminds us of these acts and their spiritual importance. So, what does Eid ul-Adha mean for us today? It serves as a powerful reminder of selflessness, faith, and the beauty of sharing blessings with others.
How to Commemorate Eid Ul Adha?
Let’s move on to the next part of this discussion: how to honor this day. Remember, we have hundreds of ideas for celebrating this day, but here, we will discuss a few that are essential.
Preparing for Eid ul Adha Prayers
Adults must have remembered when they did not sleep for the Eid excitement in their childhood. The same is true of every child nowadays, and other preparation formalities are the same. Well, this topic is for everyone, whether you are a 70-year-old or a 5-year-old child. Your day must start with a fresh beginning with a full-body cleansing (ghusl) to prepare for prayer. Being Muslims, you should dress in your finest attire to reflect respect for this noble occasion.
Eid ul Adha Namaz
When you are ready, remember the importance of Namaz on this special day. Be sure to get up early, pray, and do Qura recitation. Before the sun rises, turn your face toward the direction of the Mosque and join other Muslims in saying the Takbir and offering specific prayers that exalt Allah. The rhythmic chanting of “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great) creates a strong sense of unanimity and devotion.
After the Takbir, there is a special Eid prayer at the designated prayer site or mosque. The Eid prayer is a joyful event characterized by sincere requests and teachings emphasizing the importance of selflessness and strong faith.
Share Warm Wishes and Exchanging Eid Greetings
When you get free from Eid Namaz, the next thing to do is to exchange Eid greetings with your companions. You must see people hugging each other after the prayer; what message do you get? Doing so makes people forget their personal clashes and class differences! This action reflects the saying of the Holy Prophet that “There’s no difference in worth between Arabs based on their specific tribe. Similarly, no Arab is inherently better than someone from another tribe.” This is another message we get on this Eid day.
Making a Qurbani (Sacrifice)
After Eid Prayer, come back to your home as the knives and your animal to be sacrificed are waiting for you. This time is the core of this day, which makes many children cry to see their beloved animal slaughtered. You can participate individually, selecting a sheep, goat, cow, or camel that meets specific Islamic age, health, and condition guidelines. On the other hand, you can join a Qurbani project that lets you share the blessings and ensure a wider meat distribution.
Distributing Qurbani Meat
Remind the primary purpose of this occasion, which is to sacrifice. So, take the initiative to sacrifice and distribute meat to righteous people. The less fortunate must receive a large percentage of the Qurbani meat. The genuine essence of Eid, which encourages empathy and social responsibility, is embodied by delivering meat packs to neighbors, family members, and nonprofit organizations. You may actively engage in the customs and spirit of Eid Ul Adha by following these instructions.
Enjoying the Delicious Eid Meal
After sharing the sacrificial meat, it’s time for the real fun to begin! You will be treated to a joyous feast, where families and friends gather around a table overflowing with traditional dishes. As you savor this delicious meal, there’s plenty of time for warm conversation and laughter. This is where you create lasting memories and strengthen those family bonds – making Eid truly special.
Arrange a Grilling or Picnic
A traditional method of enjoying the beautiful outdoors is with a picnic or BBQ. It’s an opportunity to de-stress and enjoy quality time with close friends and family. To add even more personal touches, pick a lovely spot for your picnic or BBQ. A backyard, park, or even the ocean may work perfectly.
Additionally, remember to pack your preferred beverages, snacks, and meals. You may even invite everyone to share a dish. Remember to bring along some outdoor activities to keep the whole group occupied. There are several games to pick from, including badminton and frisbee.
When is Eid ul-Adha 2025? Dates and Observance in Different Countries
Eid ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant Islamic holidays, observed annually on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact date varies each year based on the lunar calendar and the sighting of the moon, leading to slight differences in observance dates across various countries.
In 2025, When is Eid ul-Adha 2025 is started expected to be observed on the following dates in these countries:
- Saudi Arabia: Friday, June 6, 2025
- United Kingdom: Friday, June 6, 2025
- United States: Friday, June 6, 2025
- Australia: Friday, June 6, 2025
- Pakistan: Friday, June 6, 2025
Please note that these dates are tentative and may vary depending on the sighting of the moon and local lunar observations. It's advisable to consult local Islamic authorities or community centers for the most accurate information regarding the exact date of Eid ul-Adha in your area.
Conclusion
Eid al-Adha is a lovely occasion rich with tradition and delectable cuisine! We learned about the life of Prophet Ibrahim and the significance of faith and sacrifice. We also discussed the customs of Eid al-Adha, such as going to prayers and having meals with close ones. This Eid may be an occasion to deepen your relationships, show compassion, and make lifelong memories. Remember that everyone celebrates Eid al-Adha, so savor every joyful moment!
Can we make charity this Eid?
Sadqah or charity can be given at any time; there is no specific timeframe. The sacrifice or Qurbani we make on this day is counted as Sadaqah, while no specific charity is to be made like the Fitrana that we make on Eid Ul Fitr.
Is everyone commanded to do Qurbani?
No, Islam is a religion of love that promotes humanity. Those capable of performing Qurbani are obligated to do so, while those in need receive a smaller portion.
What are the rules of Qurbani?
While making Qurbani, ensure that you are wealthy enough and a healthy animal. In addition, ensure to keep any animal away from the one being slaughtered. Remember to offer them water before you take them to the slaughterhouse.
What is Eid Al Adha’s date in 2024?
According to previous Eid dates, it is expected to be on Sunday, the evening of June 16th, 2024. Remember that Eid day changes yearly according to the Gregorian calendar because the Islamic lunar calendar is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.
