Sunday, November 1, 2009

What is EID UL ADHA

One important aspect of the Eid ul-Adha is that it commemorates Abraham’s (Ibrahim) readiness to obey Allah and sacrifice his son. To some Islamic people, this son is always Ishmael. That comes as a surprise to Christians and Jews who traditionally think God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac.

In other Islamic sects, it is not specified which son Abraham was asked to sacrifice. The Eid ul-Adha simply celebrates Abraham’s willingness to comply with the request of Allah to sacrifice a beloved son. At the last minute of this sacrifice, Allah spares Abraham and allows him to sacrifice a goat instead; some accounts say a lamb.

The Eid ul-Adha celebrates the faith and obedience of Abraham/Ibrahim, and the mercy that Allah can show. Animal sacrifice is an important part of the feast. This sacrifice of generally sheep or goats is shared with family, friends and the needy.

The second important aspect of the Eid ul-Adha is that it is the end of the Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca for the year. Those who have made the Hajj that year may celebrate the Eid ul-Adha with particular joy. The Hajj is jihad, strife to become more obedient to Allah’s will. Thus to have completed a jihad right before the Eid ul-Adha is cause for great happiness.

Eid ul-Adha also is an important time for family and friends. People dress in their best clothing and share meals. They also will visit family members and then friends. All are expected to attend the mosque for special prayers, and sometimes a brief talk from the Imam.

The Eid ul-Adha may be called by different names in different Islamic countries. It may be called Hari Raya in any country. In West Africa, a Muslim might call it Tobaski. A Moroccan might refer to it is Eid el-Kbir. Indians, Pakistanis and those from Bangladesh call it Id ul-Zuha, and more commonly refer to it as Bakr-Id, or Goat Eid.

Source:- http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-eid-ul-adha.htm

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