A peek into Eid al-Adha — The feast of sacrifice

There are many occasions in Islam in which merry-making is allowed. These include naming ceremonies, marriages, Eid al-Ghadeer, Mubahala, Maulud etc. The most common ones are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (observed as part of activities to signify the end of the Ramadan Fasting period and Hajj pilgrimage respectively).

Once again, we have all been blessed by Allah (SWT) to witness and celebrate this great day of Eid Al-Adha. Eid Al-Adha basically means, 'the festival of sacrifice in Islam'.

What is Eid al-Adha

The word “Eid” means a feast or festival and “Adha” means sacrifice. In the same light, “Udhiya”, sharing same root as “Adha”, refers to the sacrificial animal. Eid al-Adha ,therefore, means festival or feast of sacrifice. During the festival, families that can afford to sacrifice a ritually acceptable animal (sheep, camel, or cow) do so and then divide the meat among themselves, the poor, friends and neighbors.

Historical background

Those who have read the history of religions know that one of the characteristics of all religions is sacrifice and it is recognised as a form of worship. In other religions of the world, we see different forms of sacrifice; this ranges from pouring a libation (water or wine) to donating of plants and crops and slaughtering of animals and humans, children and adults alike.

According to Abrahamic religions, sacrifice existed from the early days of the world. In the Quran, ALLAH says:

“And relate to them the story of the two sons of Adam with truth when they both offered an offering, but it was accepted from one of them and was not accepted from the other. He said: I will most certainly slay you. (The other) said: Allah only accepts from those who are the pious (al-Muttaqun).” Q. 5:27
This verse relates to us the first sacrifice ever known in human history. That sacrifice was offered by Qabil and Habil (Cane & Able)  to Allah. Whiles Habil’s sacrifice was accepted by Allah, Qabil’s was not.

Since then, sacrifice became a ritual for men of God, especially prophets although the form and shape differs from one prophet to another.

It is in the light of its (sacrifice) significance that Christians believe that Jesus sacrificed himself for the forgiveness of sins not only of Christians but of all humanity. Therefore, sacrifice is an act of charity performed to seek Allah's pleasure.

Eid al-Adha festival

Eid al-Adha festival serves as a commemoration of and a reminder about that great trial, which Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was put to of sacrificing his young son Prophet Ismail (AS). He was directed in a vision (a form of revelation; Wahy) to slaughter his beloved son Ismail who was born at Ibrahim’s old age as a response to his supplication to Allah for an heir. Prophet Ibrahim complied with the directive after seeking the consent of his obedient son Ismail who willingly gave his consent without hesitation (the story is narrated in Qur’an 37:100-107).

Moreover, Judaism, Christianity and Islam are three monotheistic religions known as ‘Abrahamic Religions’. This is because they regard Prophet Ibrahim as their common forefather. These three religions share a lot in common including offering animal sacrifice. From the Christian perspective, Abraham was ordered to offer his son Isaac as sacrifice contrary to the belief held by Muslims that it was rather Ismail. This ,therefore, means that Islam and Christianity concur that Abraham offered to sacrifice one of his sons but they differ on who that son was.

Qur’anic basis for Eid al-Adha sacrifice

Commemoration of Eid al-Adha has its basis established in the Holy Qur’an. Allah says:
“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then (offer) what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter. …” (Q. 2:196)

Two dimensions of the sacrifice

The Eid al-Adha sacrifice has two important dimensions; spiritual and social.

Spiritual

This dimension strengthens the relationship of the servant with Allah. It seeks to draw him/her nearer to the divine being as the servant obeys commands of Allah in observing the sacrifice.

Allah does not need the meat nor blood of the animals. In other words, the animals are insignificant in this sacrifice; they are the physical manifestation of an inner conviction of faith and piety. Indeed, piety is what Allah expects. Allah says: “It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him: He has thus made them subject to you that you may glorify Allah for His guidance to you and proclaim the good news to all who do right.” (Q. 22:37)

Social

This aspect of the sacrifice brings individual members of the society together and strengthens the relationship between the poor and the rich. In this regard those who are able to sacrifice are obliged to share the meat with the poor who could not. In so doing, both are able to celebrate the day and make merry together.

Philosophy of the sacrifice

The central philosophy of the sacrifice is to elicit piety from the believers as espoused in Qur’an 5:27. It is also for the believers to thank Allah for His blessings. And the philosophy behind giving the meat as charity to poor people is a way of thanking God for His blessings.

Dr Ali Shari'ati in his book, Hajj (The Pilgrimage) observes:

"This is a story of man's perfection and his freedom from selfishness and animalistic desires. It is man's ascension to a higher spirit and love to a strong will that frees him from anything that may hinder his responsibility as a conscious man, to make him ready to sacrifice himself as Ismail to become a martyr and finally, something not found in the dictionary – “to be like Ibrahim!” the story ends with the slaughter of a sheep. This is what Almighty God requested at the end of this greatest human tragedy – to sacrifice a sheep to feed a few hungry people."

In other words, Allah (SWT) is telling us:

On this day of Eid Al-Adha, one should select his/her Ismail and bring him to Mina! Who is your Ismail? Anything that is causing an obstruction for one to reach Allah and fulfill their duties towards Him. Your Ismail could be your wealth, job, rank, power, lust, greed, spouse, and/or children. It could be anything. And make sure that it is as dear to you as Prophet Ismail (AS) was to Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
As you are sacrificing an animal on this day, bear in mind that you are in fact sacrificing that dearest thing in your life and telling Allah (SWT):
"O My Lord! Henceforth, this thing, which has been dearest to me in life, will not hinder me from reaching You and acquiring Your pleasure."

Characteristics of the sacrificial animals

The animal must satisfy certain general and specific conditions to qualify it for the purpose and it must either be a sheep, camel or cattle. Generally, the animal must be healthy, must not be deformed (eg. one eyed, broken horn, severed ear etc), acquired lawfully etc. Specifically, each animal should satisfied specific age: eight months or more for a sheep, a camel must be entering 6th year and the cattle or goat should be entering the 3rd year.

Supplication of Eid prayer

There are a number of supplications recommended during the Eid. The following is one such supplications:
“O Allah: You are the Lord of glory and greatness and the Lord of magnanimity and omnipotence, and the Lord of pardon and mercy, and the most worthy of being feared and the Lord of forgiveness;

I beseech You in the name of this day, which You have decided to be feast for the Muslims, And to be safety and increasing honor for Muhammad—peace of Allah be upon him and his Household —

(I beseech You) that You may send blessings upon Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad, And You may include me with every item of goodness with which You have included Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad, And that You save me from any item of evil from which You have saved Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad. May Your blessings be upon him and upon them.

O Allah: I pray You for the best of all that for which Your righteous servants have prayed You. And I seek Your protection against all that against which Your righteous servants have asked Your protection.”

Abraham’s sacrifice in perspective

Some extremist Muslims use the sacrifice of Abraham as basis for killing innocent people to the effect that like Ibrahim did, Allah’s orders must be obeyed even if the reason is not immediately known. This is erroneous and unacceptable. God is righteous and so He will not order for innocent people to be killed. He has given us wisdom and never will ask us something against rationality. So when we feel God's command to be against rationality, that should cause us to question our interpretation of the said command, rather than act against rationality.

Rationality is one of the most important pillars of understanding Islam. If we abandon rationality, the result is barbarism and extremism. So the story of Prophet Ibrahim doesn't tell us that it is permissible to kill even innocent people just to please Allah. What this story wants to tell us is that Prophets of Allah do not have any doubt in their interpretation of religion and revelation. And whatever they say is exactly what Allah has said.

Muslim custom during Eid al-Adha Talbiyah, Takbiraat and Prayer

The Eid prayer is a Sunnah which consists of two Rak’ats (units) and is offered between sunrise and noon. It is offered like any other prayer with recitation of al-Fatiha and any Sura.  There are five Takbiraat in the first Rak’at and four in the second (Ja’fari Fiqh) or seven Takbir in the first and five in the second (Maliki Fiqh). Immediately after the Eid prayer, two sermons are delivered by the Imam unlike the Friday prayer in which the sermons are delivered before the prayer.

On the Eid day, it is recommended to recite Takbiraat and Tahlilaat on the way to the Eid grounds. It is recommended to supplicate after each Takbir. It is also a recommendation to offer the prayers in the open field. However performing it in the mosque is also permissible.

Slaughtering the animals

During the festival, families who can afford to sacrifice a ritually acceptable animal (sheep, camel, goat or cow) do so and then share the meat among themselves, the poor, friends and neighbours. The animal sacrifice is obligatory for the Hajj pilgrims but recommended for other Muslims who are not pilgrims. It is recommended that the animal must be healthy.

Visiting family and friends

The Eid is also a period where family and friends visit one another. It is ,therefore, a perfect time for members of the Ummah to fraternise and strengthen their bond of friendship and family unity.
 

• The wirter is the Cultural and Religious Officer at the Islamic University College, Ghana