Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Eid-ul-Kabir or the Festival of Sacrifice, is a significant event in the Islamic calendar. This joyous day commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah’s command. Allah, in His infinite mercy, replaced Ismail with a ram, symbolizing the importance of submission to the divine will. Celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid-ul-Adha is marked by the sacrifice of animals, prayers, and communal gatherings. However, it is essential to approach this day with a sense of moderation and reverence, aligning our celebrations with the principles of Islam.
The Spirit of Eid-ul-Adha: Joy and Reflection
Eid-ul-Adha is a day of joy, unity, and charity. It is an opportunity for Muslims to come together, share happiness, and remember the values of sacrifice and obedience. The Qur’an underscores the significance of this event in Surah Al-Hajj, where it is stated:
“It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him” (Qur’an 22:37).
This verse emphasizes that the essence of Eid-ul-Adha lies not in the physical act of sacrifice, but in the piety and devotion it symbolizes. The spirit of Eid is about purifying oneself, being grateful for Allah’s blessings, and sharing with those less fortunate.
Avoiding Extravagance and Sin
In celebrating Eid-ul-Adha, it is crucial to avoid extravagance and actions that contravene Islamic teachings. The Qur’an warns against excessiveness in Surah Al-A’raf:
“O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess” (Qur’an 7:31).
Extravagant spending, indulgence in lavish feasts, and ostentatious displays can overshadow the true essence of Eid. Such actions can lead to wastage and divert us from the core values of charity and humility that Eid embodies.
Similarly, engaging in sinful activities, such as consuming alcohol or indulging in immoral behavior, is strictly forbidden. The Hadith narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar highlights the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) stance on intoxicants:
“Every intoxicant is khamr (wine) and every khamr is forbidden. Whoever drinks wine in this world and dies persisting in that without repentance will be deprived of it in the Hereafter” (Sahih Muslim).
These prohibitions remind us that joy and celebration should never compromise our adherence to Islamic principles.
Maintaining Moderation and Gratitude
Moderation in celebration is a key tenet of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of balance in all aspects of life. In a Hadith, he stated:
“The best of affairs are those which are moderate” (Musnad Ahmad).
Eid-ul-Adha is a time to express gratitude for Allah’s blessings through acts of worship, charity, and community service. Distributing the meat from the sacrificed animals to the needy, visiting family and friends, and offering prayers are ways to celebrate while adhering to Islamic values.
Charity and Compassion: The Heart of Eid
Charity is a cornerstone of Eid-ul-Adha. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged generosity and compassion, especially during festive occasions. In a Hadith, he said:
“He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbor to his side goes hungry” (Sahih Bukhari).
This reminder underscores the importance of sharing our blessings with those in need. By distributing the meat from the Qurbani (sacrifice) and giving to charity, we fulfill thethe true spirit of Eid and strengthen the bonds of community.
Concluding Thoughts
Eid-ul-Adha is a day of immense joy, reflection, and community. It is a time to honor the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim’s faith and submission to Allah. However, in our celebrations, we must remain mindful of the principles of moderation, gratitude, and compassion. By avoiding extravagance and sin, and embracing charity and humility, we can ensure that our festivities align with the true spirit of Eid and bring us closer to Allah.
As we celebrate this joyous occasion, let us remember the words of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
“The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if they are small” (Sahih Bukhari).
May our celebrations be filled with consistent acts of kindness, generosity, and devotion, reflecting the true essence of Eid-ul-Adha. Amin.
Courtesy
Yusuf Aseeb Olasheu, Harosophy. B.ed Islamic Studies and Education
