Eid al-Adha: A day to reflect, ponder, be grateful!

Posted : 20-Jul-2021

Eid Al Adha, meaning Feast of Sacrifice, is second most significant Islamic festivals which usually lasts three to four days and is celebrated by millions of Muslims around the globe. It is celebrated about two months after Eid Al-Fitr - festival of the breaking of the fast and the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The celebrations for Eid Al-Adha begin on the 10th Dhul-Hijjah which means the month of the pilgrimage to Mecca based on the Islamic Lunar Calendar.

The celebration of this holy festival is based on the events described in the holy Islamic scripture Quran. The event revolves around the story of Ibrahim having a dream where Allah commands him to sacrifice his son, Ismail to prove his obedience & faith. The devil, known as the Shaytaan in Islam, attempts to tempt Ibrahim to not go through with Allah's wishes. Ibrahim firm in his faith overcomes the temptation and sends away the Shaytaan by throwing pebbles at him. As Ibrahim begins with the preparations for sacrificing his son, Allah, impressed by his undying devotion, intervenes and sends an angel named Jibreel to the rescue. Jibreel informs Ibrahim that Allah in return for Ibrahim's strong faith has decided to spare his son and sent a ram as a ransom. Eid Al-Adha commemorates this exchange of ransom with which Ibrahim became the epitome of obedience and faith. The biggest teaching that the festival imparts to the believers is to put their faith in Allah before and above worldly concerns.

How Is It Celebrated?

Eid Al-Adha is also celebrated to honor Prophet Ibrahim's eternal devotion to Allah. The festival marks the end of Hajj, a month of pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is said that every Muslim with means should at least once in their lives undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca. The word Eid comes from the Arabic ʿīd, which means Feast or Festival. Eid is a day of joy, celebration, and peace were doing good deeds, helping those in need, being grateful for what you have in life, spending quality time with family, and making meaningful connections is emphasized on.

Since Islam uses a lunar calendar the date of Eid changes each year based on the sighting of the new moon which marks the beginning of the month. The morning of the Eid is spent decorating homes, and preparing for celebration. After offering their prayers at the nearest Mosque most families host get-togethers with friends and relatives to partake in the plethora of traditional dishes and exchange gifts. The animal sacrifice is the most integral part of Eid Al-Adha celebrations. The meat of the animal sacrificed (goats, cows, camels, or sheep) is divided into three equal portions to be divided among friends, family or relatives, and charity. This signifies the sacrifice that Ibrahim made.

Gifts for Eid-Al Adha

Another important aspect of Eid Al-Adha is the gifts that you give to your family and friends and the ones that you receive. It's an occasion for people to show other people like their friends, colleagues, relatives, and neighbor that they are grateful to them in form of gifts. In today's atmosphere where social distancing is encouraged and COVID-19 has made it difficult for people to celebrate with their friends and family, you can send your gifts online. Log on to Jazp.com and choose from a wide range of gift options such as mobile phones, beauty products, and even clothes and toys. At jazp.com you will find a gift to suit every budget and every taste.