Eid al Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is a significant religious observance for Muslims around the world. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah’s command. This occasion holds great spiritual and communal importance, and Muslims engage in various recommended acts to express their devotion, gratitude, and generosity. In this article, we will explore some of the commonly practiced Masnoon acts performed on the day of Eid ul Adha, which encompass rituals of purification, prayers, charity, and joyful celebrations. These Eid al Adha traditions not only deepen the spiritual connection with Allah but also foster unity, compassion, and goodwill among individuals and communities. Join us as we delve into the beautiful customs and traditions that make Eid ul Adha a truly special and blessed occasion for Muslims worldwide.
On the day of Eid ul Adha, Muslims have the option to engage in a variety of Masnoon (recommended) acts. Among these, following are the Eid al Adha Customs:
Ghusl (Ritual Bath)
Before attending the Eid prayer, Muslims are recommended to bath or perform ablution (wudu). This signifies cleanliness and purification. Ghusl is a more comprehensive form of purification that involves washing the entire body with water. The Prophet Muhammad SAW) himself performed Ghusl on the day of Eid ul Adha and recommended it for specific occasions, including the Eid prayer.
In a Hadith narrated by Imam Abu Dawood, the Prophet said:
“Whoever has the means and intends to offer a sacrifice should not cut his hair or nails and should have a bath on the day of Eid.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood; 1977)
Wearing New or Clean Clothes
It is encouraged to wear new or clean clothes on the day of Eid as a symbol of joy and celebration.
The significance of wearing good clothes and adorning oneself for the occasions of Eid was emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Imam Ibn Majah narrated a Hadith in which the Prophet said:
“Whosoever has the means, let him wear his new clothes on the day of Eid.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah; 1827)
This Hadith encourages Muslims to wear new attire. It serves as a means of expressing gratitude and making the day of Eid more special.
Eating Dates
Eating an odd number of dates before leaving for the Eid prayer is recommended. If dates are unavailable, you can consume any sweet food.
On Eid ul Adha, Muslims are recommended to eat an odd number of dates before leaving for the Eid prayer. This practice is based on the Hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad and Imam Abu Dawood, where the Prophet said:
“Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be as if he fasted the entire year.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood; 2433)
Reciting the Takbeer
Muslims recite the Takbeer throughout the day of Eid ul Adha, starting from the Fajr prayer until the Eid prayer. The Takbeer is as follows: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil hamd” (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise belongs to Him).
Quran encourages the remembrance of Allah and the declaration of His greatness. Allah says in Surah Al-A’raf,
“And when you have completed your rites, remember Allah like your [previous] remembrance of your fathers or with [much] greater remembrance.” (Quran 2:200)
This verse encourages Muslims to remember Allah and declare His greatness during the times of worship, such as on the day of Eid ul Adha.
Going to the Eid Prayer
Highly recommend attendance at the congregational Eid prayer held in mosques or designated prayer grounds. People perform the prayer, which consists of two units (rak’at), usually after sunrise.
“People observe the Eid prayer, a special congregational prayer, on the day of Eid ul Adha.” Imam Bukhari narrated a Hadith in which the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) stated:
The angels send blessings upon those who go to the mosque in the morning and evening.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari; 631)
Giving Sadaqah (Charity)
Encouragers encourage giving charity, especially before going to the Eid prayer. This act demonstrates generosity and compassion towards those in need. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah,
Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? (Quran 2:245)
And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned.” (Quran 2:245)
Click on the link to learn more about Sadaqah in Islam.
Offering the Sacrifice (Qurbani)
Those who can afford it perform the ritual of sacrificing an animal (such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel) as an act of obedience to Allah. People distribute the meat from the sacrificed animal among family, friends, and the less fortunate. This is the most important factor in Eid al Adha Traditions.
The origin of Qurbani traces back to the story of Prophet Ibrahim, as the Quran mentions. Allah says in Surah As-Saffat,
"And We ransomed him [Ismail] with a great sacrifice." (Quran 37:107)
This verse highlights the substitution of a ram for Prophet Ismail as an act of mercy from Allah. It emphasizes the importance of sacrifice in the path of obedience to Him.
Click on the link to learn more about how to perform Sacrifice in Eid ul Adha.
Visiting Relatives and Friends
It is customary to visit family, relatives, and friends on the day of Eid ul Adha, exchanging greetings and well wishes.
Spreading Joy and Happiness
Encouragers encourage Muslims to celebrate Eid ul Adha Traditions by spreading joy, happiness, and kindness to others. They can achieve this by engaging in acts of kindness, giving gifts, and sharing meals.
