Eid ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant Islamic festivals celebrated by millions of Muslims around the world. It marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Isma’il (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God’s command. The festival falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and lasts for three days. Eid ul-Adha holds immense spiritual, social, and cultural significance for Muslims, emphasizing the values of sacrifice, charity, and community cohesion.
Historical and Religious Significance
The origins of Eid ul-Adha are traced back to the story of Prophet Ibrahim, a pivotal figure in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. According to Islamic tradition, Ibrahim had a recurring dream in which he saw himself sacrificing his son Isma’il. Believing it to be a divine command, Ibrahim shared his vision with his son, who, in an act of unwavering faith, agreed to comply with God’s will. However, as Ibrahim prepared to carry out the sacrifice, God intervened and replaced Isma’il with a ram, thus sparing his life. This act of submission and obedience by Ibrahim and Isma’il symbolizes the essence of Eid ul-Adha.
Quranic Verses
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, recounts the story of Ibrahim and Isma’il in several verses, underscoring the significance of their sacrifice and devotion to God. One such verse is from Surah As-Saffat (37:102-107):
“And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, ‘O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.’ He said, ‘O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.’
And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead,
We called to him, ‘O Abraham,
You have fulfilled the vision.’ Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.
Indeed, this was the clear trial.
And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.”
These verses encapsulate the profound faith and obedience demonstrated by Ibrahim and Isma’il, as well as God’s mercy and provision in sparing Isma’il’s life.
Sacrifice and Symbolism
Central to the observance of Eid ul-Adha is the ritual sacrifice known as Qurbani, wherein Muslims slaughter an animal, typically a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, in commemoration of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. The meat from the sacrificed animal is then divided into three parts: one-third is given to the needy, one-third is shared with relatives and friends, and the remaining third is retained for one’s own family.
The act of sacrifice holds profound symbolic significance within Islam. It serves as a tangible expression of devotion to God, reflecting a willingness to surrender one’s possessions and desires for the sake of spiritual fulfillment. Moreover, the distribution of meat among the less fortunate underscores the importance of charity and compassion towards those in need, echoing the teachings of Islam regarding social justice and humanitarianism.
Charity and Benevolence
Eid ul-Adha is not only a time for personal reflection and spiritual renewal but also a period of heightened generosity and philanthropy. The practice of giving to those less fortunate, particularly through the distribution of Qurbani meat, exemplifies the Islamic principle of Zakat, or obligatory charity. The Quran emphasizes the importance of charity in numerous verses, including Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261-262):
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-encompassing and Knowing.
Those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah and then do not follow up what they have spent with reminders [of it] or [other] injury will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.”
These verses underscore the manifold blessings bestowed upon those who engage in acts of charity and emphasize the importance of sincerity and humility in giving.
Family and Community Gatherings
Eid ul-Adha is a time of joyous celebration and communal solidarity, marked by gatherings of family, friends, and neighbours. The festive atmosphere fosters bonds of kinship and camaraderie, as Muslims come together to share meals, exchange gifts, and offer prayers of gratitude. These gatherings serve as an opportunity for reconciliation and forgiveness, as individuals set aside differences and embrace the spirit of unity and fellowship.
The importance of family and community gatherings during Eid ul-Adha is rooted in the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the significance of maintaining strong familial ties and fostering a sense of belonging within the broader community. The Quran enjoins believers to honour their parents, show kindness to relatives, and extend hospitality to guests, as exemplified in Surah Al-Isra (17:23-24):
“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them, ‘off,’ and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.
And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.'”
These verses underscore the importance of honouring and respecting one’s elders, fostering a culture of compassion and empathy within the family unit.
Eid ul-Adha is a time-honoured tradition that encapsulates the core values of Islam, including sacrifice, charity, and community solidarity. By commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to submit to God’s command and the distribution of Qurbani meat to the less fortunate, Muslims reaffirm their commitment to faith, compassion, and social responsibility.
Moreover, the joyous gatherings of family and friends during Eid ul-Adha serve as a testament to the strength of community bonds and the enduring spirit of unity that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. As Muslims worldwide come together to celebrate this auspicious occasion, they renew their commitment to upholding the principles of justice, compassion, and mutual respect that lie at the heart of Islam.
The writer can be reached at [email protected]

Sabzar Ali Sheikh