Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is a major festival in Islam and it is celebrated by Muslims all over the world on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah at the end of Hajj. This year Eid al-Adha, which is also called Grand Eid, will be celebrated on the 23rd and 24th of September depending on geographical locations, and this Eid will last for three days.
What Does Eid al-Adha Commemorate?
Every year Muslims from different parts of the world gather in the holy city of Mecca to perform Hajj, in which they remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), which is mentioned in the Quran as follows:
"Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him on the right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next, he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121)
To fully appreciate the depth of such Quranic verses, many Muslims choose to learn the Quran online with qualified teachers who provide proper context and explanation.
Allah SWT tested the faith of Hazrat Ibrahim by ordering him to sacrifice his beloved son. He submitted to Allah's will and agreed to sacrifice his son, and the son was also willing to cooperate with his father in this regard. At the moment when Hazrat Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son with a knife, Allah SWT saved his son by placing a lamb under his knife. Allah revealed to Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) that his sacrifice had been accepted.
Why Do Muslims Sacrifice an Animal on This Day?
The meat of the sacrificed animal is divided into three equal parts: one is distributed among poor and needy people, one part is for relatives, and one part can be eaten at home. This shows that the Eid sacrifice serves many purposes — it provides meat to people who cannot afford it, helps flourish the livestock industry in which most workers come from a lower social class, and symbolizes our willingness to give up our own bounties to strengthen our relationship with Allah SWT.
It also helps us recognize that we receive all blessings from Allah SWT and that we should share these blessings with others wholeheartedly. As Muslims, we should understand the true purpose of sacrificing an animal on this Eid. Unlike earlier practices, it is not about atoning for sins, nor is blood used to wash away sins. Allah SWT says in the Quran:
"It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37)
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The verse shows that it is our attitude and willingness to make sacrifices in our lives that makes us obedient servants of Allah SWT. According to its very definition, a Muslim is one who submits completely to Allah SWT and prefers Allah's will over their own. The sacrifice of this Eid is also part of this submission — it strengthens our relationship with Allah and purifies our faith.
How Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Adha
There is a special prayer in the morning on this occasion. Muslims gather in grand mosques or open spaces to offer Eid prayer and listen to a sermon afterward. After Eid prayer, they greet each other wholeheartedly. They then sacrifice their animal and cut the meat into small pieces. Meat is distributed to needy people and relatives. Special dishes are also prepared with the meat of sacrificed animals, and friends and family visit each other. This feast continues for three days, spreading love and happiness.
As an online Quranic institute in the UK, we encourage all Muslims — especially those in the West — to use this blessed occasion as an opportunity to reconnect with their faith and deepen their Quranic knowledge.
Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the Noorani Qaida, someone who wishes to memorize the Quran online, or simply want to explore our online Quran courses, we are here to support your journey.Contact us today and take the next step in your Islamic education.
