…where personal desires are set aside for the sake of Allah
By: Er Ishfaq Khaliq
Eid ul-Adha commemorates the unwavering faith and submission of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son Isma’il (AS) to God’s command. This act symbolizes the epitome of devotion, where personal desires are set aside in obedience to divine will. The festival serves as a reminder for Muslims to embody this level of commitment in their own lives, striving to align their actions with the principles of Islam.
Eid ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is deeply rooted in the Islamic understanding of faith, devotion, and moral responsibility. At its core, it commemorates the profound story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his willingness to sacrifice his son, Isma’il (AS) in obedience to a divine command. This event represents absolute submission to God’s will, even when it defies human logic or personal desire. The essence of the festival lies in the concept of sacrifice—Qurbani.
Muslims who are able to do so offer an animal as a symbolic act of devotion, remembering Ibrahim’s (AS) readiness to give up what he loved the most. However, the sacrifice is not about the physical act alone. It reflects a deeper spiritual truth: the willingness to let go of one’s ego, desires, and worldly attachments for the sake of righteousness. The act becomes meaningful when it leads to inner purification and a closer connection to God.
Eid ul-Adha also emphasizes generosity, social responsibility, and community. The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into portions to be shared with family, friends, and especially those in need. This ensures that the joy of the festival reaches beyond the individual and family to touch the wider community. It is a reminder that worship is not complete without care for others, especially the poor and marginalized.
The festival occurs during the Hajj pilgrimage, a time when millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca, all dressed in simple white garments, symbolizing equality, humility, and the stripping away of worldly status. This connection to Hajj reinforces the themes of unity, mortality, and the ultimate return to God.
Eid ul-Adha teaches that true piety is not in ritual alone but in sincerity, selflessness, and ethical living. It calls believers to reflect on their relationship with God, their responsibilities to others, and the kind of person they strive to be. Through remembrance, charity, and humility, the festival becomes not just a celebration, but a reaffirmation of faith and a renewal of purpose.
Furthermore, various scholars emphasized that the act of sacrifice during Eid ul-Adha is not merely a ritualistic slaughter of an animal but a representation of the believer’s readiness to relinquish personal interests for the greater good. they underscore the importance of understanding the underlying message of selflessness, piety, and social responsibility that the festival conveys.
In the broader discourse, scholars articulate that Islamic festivals like Eid ul-Adha are designed to reinforce communal bonds and collective consciousness among Muslims. They are occasions that transcend mere celebration, serving as platforms for spiritual reflection, moral rejuvenation, and societal cohesion.
THE MUST DO THINGS TO BE DONE ON EID AL ADHA
During Eid al-Adha, certain acts are considered obligatory (wājib) or highly emphasized (sunnah mu’akkadah) depending on your Islamic school of thought and personal circumstances. Here’s a summary of the key obligations and important practices:
- Eid Prayer (Ṣalāt al-Eid)
Obligatory for: Adult Muslim men (according to Ḥanafī school; Sunnah Mu’akkadah in other schools).It is performed in congregation, usually in an open space called Eid Gah or in a large mosque.The prayer consists of two rak‘ahs with extra takbīrāt (saying “Allāhu Akbar”).
- Sacrifice (Qurbānī / Udhiyah) is obligatory (wājib) according to the Ḥanafī school for every adult Muslim who is sane and resident (not traveling), and must possess wealth above the Nisab (like the one for Zakāt) on Eid day. According to other schools (Shāfiʿī, Mālikī, Ḥanbalī), it is a highly recommended Sunnah, not obligatory. The sacrifice must be: A healthy animal (goat, sheep, cow, or camel), done after the Eid prayer and within the days of 10th–12th Dhul-Hijjah (3 days of Tashrīq).The meat is distributed: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives/friends, and one-third for the poor.
- Observing the Takbīr
Saying Takbīrāt al-Tashrīq (Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Lā ilāha illa Allāh, waAllāhu Akbar, wa Lillāhil-ḥamd) after every fardh prayer starting from Fajr on 9th Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Arafah) to ʿAṣr on 13th Dhul-Hijjah. Obligatory (wājib) according to Ḥanafīs for men, Sunnah in other schools and for women.
- Avoiding Hair and Nail Cutting Before Sacrifice
For those intending to offer a sacrifice, it is mustaḥabb (recommended) to avoid cutting their hair and nails from the start of Dhul-Hijjah until after the sacrifice is done. This is based on a hadith of the Prophet
- General Sunnahs and Etiquettes
While not “obligatory,” these acts are strongly encouraged Ghusl (ritual bath) before going to Eid prayer. Wearing clean and best clothes, ideally new or the best you own.Eating after the Eid prayer (unlike Eid al-Fitr where you eat before).taking different routes to and from the Eid prayer ground. Greeting others with “Taqabbalallāhu minnā wa minkum” (May Allah accept from us and you).
The must do things for the animal to be sacrified
When performing Qurbani (Udhiyah) on Eid al-Adha, there are several essential actions and etiquettes that must be observed to ensure the sacrifice is valid and spiritually meaningful.
The process begins with a sincere intention. One must make a clear niyyah (intention) that the sacrifice is being done solely for the sake of Allah, following the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). The sacrifice can also be made on behalf of oneself, one’s family, or deceased loved ones. It is important that the person offering the sacrifice owns the animal, or has proper permission. The animal cannot be stolen, borrowed, or taken without consent.
The sacrifice must be done only after the Eid prayer on the 10th, 11th, or 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. Performing the slaughter before the Eid prayer invalidates the Qurbani, except in specific cases like rural areas where no Eid congregation is held.
The animal selected for sacrifice must meet certain criteria. It can be a goat, sheep, cow, buffalo, or camel. A sheep or goat is sufficient for one person, while a cow or camel may be shared by up to seven people. The animal must be of the minimum required age: one year for a sheep or goat, two years for a cow, and five years for a camel. It must be in good health, without defects such as blindness, lameness, or severe emaciation. Minor imperfections are overlooked, but any major defect disqualifies the animal for Qurbani.
During the actual slaughter, it is obligatory to mention the name of Allah. Saying “Bismillāhi Allāhu Akbar” before slaughtering is required. It is also recommended to say a prayer like, “Allāhumma hādhā minka wa laka. Taqabbal minnī,” which means, “O Allah, this is from You and for You. Accept it from me.” The slaughter must be carried out with a sharp knife and in accordance with Islamic law. The windpipe, food pipe, and two blood vessels in the throat should be severed swiftly, ensuring the animal is alive and conscious at the time of the cut. The animal should be treated gently, not harmed unnecessarily, and should be laid facing the Qiblah.
It is Sunnah for the person offering the sacrifice to perform it personally or at least be present. One should avoid letting other animals witness the slaughter, and the knife should not be sharpened in front of the animal. These steps uphold the dignity and respect due to the creature being sacrificed.
After the sacrifice, the meat should ideally be divided into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for friends and relatives, and one-third for the poor and needy. While it’s permissible to keep all the meat or give all of it away, the recommended practice is to share generously, especially with those in need. The meat, skin, or any part of the animal should not be sold. Payment to the butcher should not be in the form of meat; instead, they should be compensated with money or another gift. However, one may gift meat or skin to others freely. Hygiene is also part of the Islamic ethic. Cleanliness must be maintained during and after the sacrifice, with proper disposal of waste and respect for public spaces. Local regulations should be followed, especially in urban areas.
Lastly, while not obligatory, it is highly recommended to avoid cutting one’s nails or hair from the beginning of Dhul-Hajjah until the sacrifice is completed, if you intend to offer Qurbani. This act reflects a symbolic connection with those performing Hajj.
The Qurbani is not merely about slaughtering an animal, but a reminder of complete submission to Allah, a test of sincerity, and a moment to express compassion and care for others through sharing and charity. It reflects the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and encourages a deeper connection with faith, community, and uplifts the spirit of sacrifice. For others before anything though all odds and hurdles.
