Eid al-Adha
Etymology and Translations
Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى) translates as “Festival of the Sacrifice.” In Turkish, it is known as Kurban Bayramı.
Definition
Eid al-Adha, also known as Greater Eid, Greater Bayram, or Feast of the Sacrifice, is an important Islamic festival commemorating Prophet Abraham’s unwavering faith in God as demonstrated by his readiness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. Observed at the end of Hajj—an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca—it falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Historical and Scriptural Background
Eid al-Adha honors the Quranic narrative in Surah As-Saffat (37:99–111), wherein God intervenes to replace Ishmael with a ram just as Abraham is about to sacrifice his son in obedience to divine command. This act is a profound testament to Abraham’s submission and faith, making him a pivotal figure in Islamic theology.
Rituals and Practices
Sacrifice (Qurbani)
Muslims traditionally sacrifice an unblemished animal, such as a sheep, goat, camel, or cow, to re-enact Abraham’s sacrifice. The meat is divided into three portions: one-third for the family, one-third for friends and neighbours, and one-third for the poor and needy, signifying both piety and charity.
Observance During Hajj
For Muslims on pilgrimage, Eid al-Adha involves specific rites granting it immense spiritual significance. Pilgrims perform the stone-throwing ritual at Mina, sacrifice an animal, and then continue their pilgrimage rituals.
Observance Outside Pilgrimage
For those not on Hajj, the holiday encompasses communal prayers at local mosques, familial gatherings, visiting gravesites of relatives, and the giving of gifts and sweets. It is a three-day event marked by festivity and community spirit.
Books for Further Study
- “Understanding Islam: The First Ten Steps” by Chris Hewer
- “An Introduction to Islam” by Frederick Denny
- “The Hajj: Pilgrimage in Islam” by F.E. Peters
- “The Call to Jihad and Sacrifice: Yesterday and Today” by Ruqaiyyah Waris Maqsood
Takeaways and Conclusion
Eid al-Adha stands as a powerful symbol of faith, devotion, and communal unity in Islam. It emphasizes not only the spiritual pinnacle of Hajj but also the spirit of sharing and caring for the less fortunate. Through its rituals and commemorations, the festival reinforces paramount Islamic teachings of obedience to God and compassion towards all.
By understanding Eid al-Adha, its origins, and its multifaceted observance, individuals can not only appreciate its religious significance but also its broader social and ethical implications.
