What Is Eid Ul Adha?

This very important Muslim holiday is celebrated at the end of Hajj, which is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca. The ‘Festival of Sacrifice’ is followed by a ‘Feast of Sacrifice’, which pays homage to the Prophet Abraham’s(PBUH) unselfish act of sacrificing his son, Ishmael, to God. In turn, God spared the boy’s life and instead substituted a sheep. Now in remembrance, people sacrifice a lamb, goat, or other animal, and give the meat to family, friends, relatives, and most importantly, the poor.

Eid-Ul-Adha is a four-day holiday and celebration. It commences on the 10th day of Thul Hijjah and is celebrated in a manner similar to Eid-Ul-Fitr. It starts with a special holiday prayer, performed in congregation in the Masjid (Mosque) or other suitable place. It is a time of celebration, of visiting family and friends and of thanking ALLAH (Subhanahu wa ta'ala), for all the blessings bestowed upon us. Fasting is prohibited during these days.

Eid Ul Adha Prayer

Allaho-Akber, Allaho-Akber. La ila-ha ill-lal-lah. Allaho-Akber, Allaho-Akber. Wa-lilahill hamd. 

(Allah is great, Allah is great. There is no god but Allah. Allah is great, Allah is great. And all praises are for Allah). 

The Sacrifice Prayer

Innee waj-jahtu wajhiya lilladhee fataras-samaawaati wal-arda haneefan wa maa ana minal-mushrikeen
Inna salaatee wa nusukee wa mahyaaya wa mamaatee lillaahi rabbil-‘aalameen • Laa shareeka lahu wa bi dhalika umirtu wa ana aw-walul-muslimeen.
Allaahumma minka wa laka 
Bismillaahi Allaahu akbar
(Verily I divert my attention to the Lord Who has created the heavens and the earth: (I do so) as one by nature upright, and I am not of the idolaters. Truly my prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death are all for Allah the Lord of the Worlds He has no partner and thus am I commanded and I am the first of those who surrender to Him. Oh Allah! (This sacrifice is) from You and for You; In the name of Allah. Allah is the Greatest!)

Allaahumma taqabbalhu minnee kamaa taqabbalta min habeebika Muhammadin wa khaleelika Ibraahima ‘alayhimas-salaatu was-salaam.
(O Allah! Accept this from me as You accepted it from Your beloved Muhammad and Your befriended Ibrahim, peace and blessings be upon them both.)