Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Adha: Conditions and rules of sacrifice
Peace and mercy of the Almighty to you, dear Muslims!
Allah Almighty said: “Perform (holiday) prayer and sacrifice an animal for the sake of Allah.” Koran: 108:2.
One of the most significant holidays of Islam is approaching - the Feast of Sacrifice. In the language of the Koran, the name of this holiday sounds like "Eid al-Adha", Turkic-speaking peoples call it "Kurban Bayram". This great holiday is celebrated approximately 70 days after the end of the Holy month of Ramadan, on the tenth day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah.
What is Kurban, Eid al-Adha? How many people should participate in the sacrifice? How old should the animal being sacrificed be? What qualities should this animal have when the time of sacrifice comes? What is the reward for those who sacrifice animals for the sake of Allah? Here, in this article, we have tried to answer all these and other questions for you.
Ibrahim (Abraham; peace be upon him) is one of the most revered prophets by us Muslims. He is called the "friend" of Allah. The Koran says: “...Truly, he was a righteous man, a prophet.” (Sura Maryam: 41).
Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) always demonstrated boundless trust and love for Allah, readiness to fulfill any of His commands. A serious test, a test of his devotion to the Merciful Allah, was the story of his first-born Ismail (peace be upon him). One day, Ibrahim (peace be upon him) saw a dream in which he stabbed Ismail, sacrificing him to Allah. Prophet Ibrahim realized that this was Allah’s desire, since Allah conveyed revelation to His prophets through dreams, and decided to carry out God’s instructions. Hearing about this, Ismail (peace be upon him) said: “My father, do what you are ordered. I will be patient if Allah wills." . But at that moment, when Ibrahim (peace be upon him) raised a knife over his own son, a voice was heard : “Oh, Ibrahim! You lived up to the vision!” Instead of his son, Ibrahim sacrificed a ram. This is how Allah described it in the Qur'an: “Then We rejoiced him with the news of a seasoned boy (Ismail). When he reached the age to strive with him, he said: “My son! I see in a dream that I am stabbing you. See what you think? He said: “My father! Do as you are told. If Allah wills, you will find me one of the patient.” When they both submitted and he laid him on his side, We called to him: “O Ibrahim! You justified the dream." Indeed, this is how We reward those who do good. This is a clear test (or a clear mercy). We ransomed him with a great sacrifice." Koran: 37: 101-107.
This incident became fundamental in establishing the ritual of sacrifice as one of the most important precepts of Islam, symbolizing the ban on the shedding of human blood.
The word “qurban” means bringing a person closer to Allah, in other words, a Muslim approaches the Almighty through sacrifice. Eid al-Adha means the festival of sacrifice.
According to some Muslim ulema (scholars), sacrifice is obligatory for every wealthy Muslim. Allah Almighty and Almighty said: “Then make a prayer to your Lord and kill” Koran:108;2. It was reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever had wealth and did not perform the Sacrifice, let him not approach our mosques!” Ibn Maajah, Ahmad.
Most scholars considered the ritual of Sacrifice (Udhiya) desirable. However, those who do not consider the Sacrifice an obligatory ritual are unanimous that the performance of this great rite is very desirable, especially when there is an opportunity for this. After all, the Messenger of Allah himself (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told us about the merits of the holiday sacrifice and the great reward for it. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There is no better expenditure for Allah after maintaining family ties than shedding the blood of a sacrificial animal!” Ibn ‘Abdul-Barr Tamhid. Also, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), answering questions from his companions about the merits of the Hajj ritual, said in relation to the Sacrifice: “And as for your Sacrifice, a great reward for this is reserved for you by your Lord!” Bazzar, Ibn Hibban.
The sacrificial animal can be either cattle: a cow or a bull, or small livestock: a ram or ewe, a goat or goat. You should choose the animal whose weight is greater and whose meat is better.
Cattle must be two years old or older. For small children, as a rule, not less than a year, but if a ram or ewe has large sizes, then it is allowed to sacrifice an animal at the age of six months.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Do not sacrifice an animal that has not reached its age. If this becomes difficult for you, then you can sacrifice sheep at least six months old.” . Muslim.
You cannot sacrifice a rabbit, turkey, rooster or chicken.
The animal must be healthy and healthy (i.e. without injuries). The injury or illness for which the sacrifice will not be accepted must be clearly stated. It is reported that one day the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) stood in front of his companions and said: “It is not permissible to bring four types of animals as Sacrifice: a one-eyed animal whose mutilation is obvious; a sick animal whose illness is obvious; a lame animal whose lameness is obvious. And an emaciated animal whose weakness is obvious" . Ahmad, Abu Daoud.
The following animals are unsuitable for sacrifice: sick, blind in one or both eyes, without ears or with withered udders. An animal with knocked out teeth cannot be sacrificed. If one third of an animal's tail, ears or tail is cut off, then it is not suitable for sacrifice. It is allowed to donate an animal with a holed or torn ear, or an animal with a broken horn, but it is still undesirable to do this.
It is allowed to sacrifice a hornless animal, as well as an animal that has been castrated. This is not considered their disadvantage.
One sheep or ram, goat or male goat should be sacrificed per person. Seven people can participate in the sacrifice of a bull or a cow. A smaller number of people, but not more than seven, can participate in “Kurbana” from seven people.
It is most desirable when a person slaughters his own sacrificial animal, but it is permissible to entrust the slaughter of the sacrificial animal to another person. The one assigned to bring the sacrificial animal should slaughter it on behalf of its owner, saying: “Bismi-llah, O Allah, accept from so-and-so.”.
The person performing the sacrifice should pronounce the name of Allah over the animal during the sacrifice: "In the name of Allah" « Bismillah". When stabbing, you can also say: “Allah is Great! O Allah, this is from You and for You, accept it from me.” « Allahu Akbar. Allahumma inna haza minka wa laka fatakabbal-minni.”
The presence of intention is necessary for sacrifice. The intention is made in oneself, i.e. it is not pronounced, the person simply realizes and intends that he will perform this action. Thus, an animal that is bought already slaughtered and butchered does not count as a sacrifice. Because the intention of sacrifice was absent during the slaughter. After all, the butcher did not intend, either for himself or for anyone else, that he slaughter an animal as a sacrifice. Therefore, it is considered ordinary meat and is not considered a sacrifice.
According to the Sunnah, it is enough for a person to slaughter one sheep as a sacrifice on his own behalf and on behalf of his household. The category of family members for whom a sacrifice can be made includes all members of his family who are supported by him: wife, children, mother or father, grandchildren.
The time of sacrifice begins after the holiday prayer dedicated to the Feast of Sacrifice in the area in which you are located. It is forbidden to slaughter an animal before prayer, as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever slaughters before prayer, then this is only meat presented to his family, and is not “Kurban” " Muslim. That is, it is not a sacrifice for which a reward is promised.
The time of sacrifice ends with sunset on the thirteenth day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. It turns out that a Muslim who wants to make a sacrifice can do it on the day of the holiday or on the first, second or third day after the day of the holiday. It is better to make a sacrifice during the day, but it is also allowed to do it at night.
It is advisable for a person and his family members to eat from sacrificial meat - “qurbana”. It is correct to leave part in reserve, give part to the poor and needy as alms, and treat the third part to relatives and neighbors.
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) pointed out that it is not permissible to sell any part of a sacrificial animal. The hadith says: 'Ali ibn Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) ordered me to look after the sacrificial animals and distribute their meat, skins and blankets as alms, and not to give anything to the butchers for slaughtering cattle. . He said: “We will give them something from what we have.” Muslim. Therefore, the ulema (scholars) are unanimous that the meat of a sacrificial animal cannot be sold, and the same is true with its skin. Some scholars say that if a person wants to sell, for example, the skin or limbs, the head of a sacrificial animal, then he can do this, but on the condition that he gives this money as sadaqa (alms). The butcher can be given payment, but not from the sacrificial animal.
The above indicates the sunnah (desirability) of giving away the skins of sacrificial animals as alms. In addition, charitable foundations or organizations are allowed to sell the skins of sacrificial animals and spend the proceeds to help those in need.
An important rule for a person wishing to perform a sacrifice is the following: one should not cut nails, shave or shorten hair from the beginning of the month of Dhul-Hijjah until the sacrifice is made. You need to worry about this in advance. This provision applies to both men and women, and this command, according to some scholars, contains an obligatory character, and not a desirable one. If a person deliberately removes anything from his hair or nails, then he must ask Allah for forgiveness, but his Sacrifice is valid.
The bones of a sacrificial animal, as well as an animal sacrificed for the birth of a child (aqika), do not need to be buried: there are no instructions for this in Islam. You can do with them the same way as with other bones: throw them away or feed them to dogs, and there is good in this. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “In every moist liver you will have a reward.” Bukhari. That is, Allah rewards the believer for any good deed towards any creature - even animals, and a dog is a representative of the animal world.
Dear brothers and sisters, the holiday of Kurban Bayram reminds us that all Muslims should help and support each other, especially on holidays. Sacrifice helps us get closer to Allah, atone for sins, and also express our gratitude to Allah for all His gifts. Strengthen your faith, and Allah (He is holy and great) will help you and reward you!
Eid al-Fitr (in Arabic) is the second most important holiday among Muslims.
This is a holiday of breaking the fast after 30 days of strict fasting.
What is Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Fitr?
© Sputnik / Evgeny Odinokov
On the last day of the holy month of Ramadan, after sunset, the holiday of Breaking the Fast or Eid al-Fitr begins.
In different Muslim countries, the holiday begins at different times.
The date of Eid al-Adha is determined by the local Council of Ulema or the Spiritual Administration of Muslims.
What date is Eid al-Fitr celebrated in 2019?
© Sputnik / Amir Isaev, STR
Eid al-Fitr, like other Islamic holidays, does not have a specific date and is determined every year according to the lunar calendar.
Eid al-Fitr occurs after sunset on the last day of Ramadan and the first day of Shawwal.
History and essence of Eid al-Adha
The tradition of celebrating the day of breaking the fast has been going on since the time of the Prophet Muhammad, since 624. The history of Eid al-Fitr goes back 1395 years.
Eid al-Fitr is a time for summing up results. For a whole month, believers observed fasting, read the Koran, spent time in prayer, and tried to perform the maximum possible number of pious deeds and deeds.
At this time, Muslims should indulge in reflection on spiritual values and rethinking life during the period of fasting.
How is Eid al-Adha celebrated?
© Sputnik
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for three days.
This day is considered a holiday of reconciliation, love and friendly handshakes. On this day, it is customary to visit the disadvantaged and care for the elderly.
The holiday begins with evening prayer. Believers recite takbir (the formula for exalting Allah) before performing the festive prayer on the day of Eid al-Fitr.
It is advisable to spend the night without sleep, in all-night service to the Almighty. According to the Koran, the heart of one who spends the night in prayer before two holidays (Eid al-Adha and Kurban Bayram) will not die on the Day of Judgment.
On the day of Eid al-Fitr, it is advisable to wear clean clothes and go to the mosque early in the morning to perform the festive prayer. After this, the men go to the cemetery to remember their deceased relatives.
Eid al-Adha is the holiday of sacrifice, the most significant in Islam. It falls on the tenth day of the lunar month of Dhul-Hijjah, the month of Hajj, the annual worldwide gathering of Muslims.
Eid al-Adha is the holiday of sacrifice, the most significant in Islam. It falls on the tenth day of the lunar month of Dhul-Hijjah, the month of Hajj, the annual worldwide gathering of Muslims. The three days following Eid al-Adha (that is, the 11th, 12th and 13th) are called “tashriq” days.
An indicative example of the true beauty of Islam is the holding of Islamic holidays and other rituals, distinguished by publicity and mass participation, in a beautiful and enchanting form, when an atmosphere of spiritual celebration is created. This is also a kind of call to Islam. And the success of the Islamic call in society depends, in a certain sense, on how the model of Islamic celebrations is presented.
The Day of Arafah is the ninth day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. Fasting on this day is a desirable action (sunnah). The Day of Arafah is the most precious of days. For performing good deeds on this day, the reward increases many times over. Truly, no one except Allah knows its true size. As well as the magnitude of sins on this day increases several times.
Kurban Bayram has its roots in the deep past, during the time of the prophecy of Ibrahim (peace be upon him).
Ibrahim (peace be upon him) is one of the great messengers of Allah. He was famous for his generosity and magnanimity. Every year the prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sacrificed a large number of livestock and distributed meat to the poor and needy. People and angels were amazed at his generosity. Once Ibrahim (peace be upon him) said: “Everything that I sacrificed is nothing. I swear by Allah, if I had a son, I would not spare him for the sake of the Almighty.” His willingness to sacrifice his most precious possession for the sake of his Lord shows how strong his love for Allah is.
After some time, Ibrahim (peace be upon him) forgot about his words. Having moved to Palestine, he began to ask Allah for a son. But only in old age did the prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) have a child, whom he named Ismail. Naturally, a child born after so many years of waiting took special place in the heart of a parent.
When his son became an adult, on the eighth day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) heard a voice in a dream that said...
Among domestic animals, camels, large and small cattle are sacrificed for Kurbani. That is, according to the four madhhabs, only these animals are allowed to be sacrificed from domestic animals. A camel or cattle can be sacrificed for seven people, but small cattle can only be slaughtered for one person.
Sacrifice (qurban) is a ritual prescribed by Sharia that a Muslim performs in certain time, thereby intending to get closer to Allah Almighty and achieve His pleasure. At the same time, camels, large or small cattle are slaughtered.
Ritual of sacrifice is a Shariah order that originates from the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). Allah Almighty imposed a sacrifice (qurban) on the ummah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) in the second year of the Hijra. (See Ibn Rajab, Lataif al-Maarif, p. 463; Hashiyatu al-Jamal, vol. 8, p. 203).
Allah Almighty established the ritual of sacrifice as a regulation of Sharia so that people would not forget the story of these two great prophets. This is a test for us too. Allah Almighty addresses us: “You have seen what a great deed my beloved prophets have accomplished for My sake. I don't demand the same from you. I command you that from the domestic animals that I have given you, for My sake and out of love for Me, following My command, sacrifice at least one animal.”
Don't miss the Holiday Prayer!
If a person cannot perform prayer in the above-mentioned way, he makes an intention for the holiday prayer and performs the usual desired prayer of two rak'ahs. Read on...
Muslim sacrifice (qurban)
Sacrifice these days is a highly rewarded act. The hadith transmitted from Ali-ashab (may Allah be pleased with him) says: “Whoever leaves the house to get an animal for Qurbani, for each of his steps 10 good deeds are written and 10 sins are erased, his conversation during the purchase and sale will be recorded as Tasbih (remembrance of Allah), for every dirham given for an animal, 700 good deeds are recorded. When he throws the animal to the ground to cut it, all creation, from this place to the seventh heaven, will ask for the forgiveness of his sins, from every drop of the animal’s blood angels will be created, who will also ask for the forgiveness of his sins until the Day of Judgment.”
Pious Muslims try to cut Kurban every year. Therefore, we should find an opportunity for this. " The best of my ummah cut Qurbani, the worst do not cut it ", says the hadith.
It is best to distribute all the meat raw to those in need, leaving a small piece at home for barakat. But you can give away a third or at least some part. The minimum requirement for Qurbani Sunnah is to give part raw meat a Muslim who is entitled to zakat. In the case when the Qurbani was performed as nazru - i.e. Qurbani was obligatory and all the meat had to be distributed.
Where to perform the ritual of sacrifice?
Please note: the mass slaughter of livestock on Kurban Bayram this year will not take place within the city of Makhachkala. Those who wish to perform the ritual of sacrifice (Kurban) can do so;
- near shopping center"Kirgu";
- in the Hippodrome area (along the Makhachkala - Kaspiysk highway).
All conditions have been created here for the full performance of the ceremony:
1. spacious compartments for livestock;
2. availability of specialists for slaughtering and butchering animals;
3. teaching the correct intention and reading takbir;
4. points for receiving sacrificial meat;
5. consultation with a theologian on all issues of sacrifice;
May the Almighty accept all our donations and good deeds!
عيد الأضحى Feast of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) (Arabic: عيد الأضحى , English. Eidul-Adha, Kaz. Kurban ait tat. Korban bairame, Azerbaijani. Qurban Bayramı) is the Islamic holiday of the end of the Hajj, celebrated on the 10th day of the twelfth Islamic month lunar calendar(zul-Hijj) in memory of the sacrifice of the prophet Abraham and 70 days after the holiday of Ramadan.
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Ritual of sacrifice
The victim must be at least one year old, healthy and free of any defects. It is believed that a sheep or goat can only be sacrificed from one person, and a cow, bull or camel can be sacrificed from seven people. Usually a two-year-old ram, goat, cow or bull is slaughtered; a sacrificial camel, as a rule, is at least five years old. The custom allows for sacrifices not only for the living, but also for the dead.
Often the skins of sacrificed animals are given to the Mosque. The meat is boiled and eaten at a common meal, which can be attended by any Muslim, with an imam usually at the head of the table. On the Feast of Sacrifice, you should definitely try a variety of delicious meat dishes, which are prepared in different countries, in accordance with local tastes, using various spices and flavorings; Much attention is paid to the festive decoration of the table, as well as the preparation of numerous sweets. People try to give gifts to close friends and relatives on holidays. In the days following the holiday, visits are usually made to relatives and close friends, since visiting sacrifices on the days of the holiday is considered blessed and desirable.
Sacrifice on the day of Eid al-Adha (Eid al-Adha) is an Islamic ritual for which there is much evidence. Allah Almighty says in the Quran: “...pray to your Lord and make a sacrifice.” Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (meib) sacrificed two rams, which were large, fat and horned. When the Prophet laid one of them, he said: “In the name of Allah and Allah is great. O Allah, accept this from Muhammad and the family of Muhammad." And when he laid the second one, he said: “In the name of Allah and Allah is great. O Allah, accept this from Muhammad, his Ummah, those who have testified to Your unity and witnessed my fulfillment of the mission.” Prophet Muhammad (meib) called on Muslims to sacrifice. Aisha reported the words of the Prophet: “A person’s favorite deed for Allah on the day of sacrifice is making a sacrifice. On the Day of Judgment, the sacrificial animal will be on the cup of good deeds with its horns, wool and hooves. The blood shed on this day reaches its place before Allah before it reaches the earth. So cleanse your souls with it.”
The Feast of Sacrifice is celebrated on the 10th day of the 12th month of the Muslim lunar calendar, Dhu-l-Hijjah, during the period of pilgrimage to Mecca.
The most common sacrifice is a ram
Celebrating the day of sacrifice, even if it does not take place in Mecca, begins early in the morning. At first light, Muslims go to the mosque for morning prayer, but first it is advisable to perform a complete ablution, put on new and neat clothes, and, if possible, anoint yourself with incense. It is not recommended to eat before prayer. At the end of the morning Namaz, believers return home. Then they go again to the mosque or to a specially designated area (namazgah), where the Mullah or imam-khatib delivers a sermon (khutbah). The khutba usually begins with the glorification of Allah and his prophet, then explains the origin of the hajj and the meaning of the ritual of sacrifice.
After prayer, Muslims who have the opportunity to make a sacrifice do so. Over the victim, any ordinary Muslim can pronounce a short formula: “Bismillah, Allah Akbar,” that is, “In the name of Allah, Allah is great!” Before the ram is slaughtered, it must be thrown to the ground with its head towards Mecca.
Ritual of sacrifice
You can sacrifice a ram that has reached the seventh month (according to Shafi'i - a full year), a bull or a cow that has reached a full two years, a camel that has reached a full five years. It is desirable that the sacrificial animal be fat, large and beautiful. There should be no flaws in it that adversely affect the quantity and quality of meat. Therefore, lame, blind or sick animals should not be sacrificed. And also animals that have more than half of their horns broken or more than half of their ears cut off. Al-Barra reported that the Prophet (mayib) said: “Four animals are not suitable for sacrifice - an animal with pronounced blindness, a sick one, with a pronounced lameness and a thin one.”
It is advisable to use a third of the meat to treat your family, give a third to poor neighbors and relatives, and give a third as alms to those who ask for it. As the Almighty said about this: “... then eat their meat and feed those who are content with little, and those who ask out of poverty.”
Ibn Abbas also spoke about the sacrifice of the Prophet (meib): “He left a third for the family, a third to treat poor neighbors, and a third he distributed to those who asked.” Ibn Umar said: “Sacrifices and gifts - a third for you, a third for your family, a third for the poor.”
You cannot pay the butcher who slaughtered the sacrificial animal with meat. But you can give him part of the meat if he is poor, or donate it, but not as payment. Ali said: “The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, ordered me to oversee the sacrifice, divide its meat and skin, and not give the butcher anything from the sacrificial animal. He said, 'We'll pay him back.'
In almost every country, people celebrate certain holidays, which can be international, national, religious, local, and so on.
The Muslim world also has its own special days, and some of them are directly related to the Islamic religion. However, due to the presence of many various trends and legal schools, some holidays may be recognized as such in some communities and not celebrated in others.
Only 2 holidays are considered common to all Muslims - the holiday of breaking the fast (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Fitr) and the holiday of sacrifice (Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Fitr). This is indicated by the hadith of the Messenger of the Most High (s.g.w.), which reads: “Verily, the Creator replaced them (pre-Islamic holidays - approx. IslamGlobal) two better days: The Day of Breaking the Fast and the Day of Sacrifice” (quoted by Abu Dawud).
Let us dwell on these solemn dates in more detail.
How Eid al-Adha is celebrated
The Day of Breaking the Fast (Eid al-Fitr) is a holiday celebrated by Muslims on the occasion of the end of Ramadan, which is observed by believers during the Holy month of Ramadan. It falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal. (in 2019 - June 4) and continues to be celebrated for two more days.
The elements of the holiday are as follows:
1. Payment of fitr sadaq
During the month of Ramadan, believers pay special alms - it serves as a kind of act of material support for those in need and a way of cleansing from small sins that were committed during the holy month of Islam. The hadith says: “The Messenger of the Almighty ordered the distribution of zakat ul-fitr as a means of cleansing from bad and empty words for the fasting person, and also as a treat for the needy” (Abu Dawud).
It follows that those who did not donate during Ramadan must pay it on the Day of Breaking the Fast, but this must be done before the start of the holiday prayer.
2. Holiday prayer (gayet-namaz)
The most important event of this day for believers should be the performance of festive prayer. The time it takes place occurs approximately half an hour after sunrise and ends when the sun is at its zenith.
At the same time, among Muslim theologians there is a difference of opinion regarding the need to perform this prayer. Some Muslim scholars classify this as a necessary act (wajib), while others believe that performing Eid prayer is desirable (sunnat).
In addition, theologians disagreed about the possibility of individually performing this prayer. Some are sure that it is permissible to read the holiday prayer only with the jamaat, that is, collectively, while others believe that it is also permissible to perform it individually.
At the same time, all Muslim scholars are unanimous in the opinion that the following categories of people are exempt from collective recitation of Eid prayers in mosques:
- women, for whom it is better to perform the holiday prayer at home and individually;
- minors(from an Islamic point of view), that is, children who have not reached puberty;
- travelers- according to Sharia, they are people who have moved away from home at a distance of more than 87 km and for a period of no more than 15 days;
- incompetent both physically and mentally ill people.
Before holiday prayer Muslims must cleanse themselves by performing a complete ablution (), wear clean and beautiful clothes and perfume themselves with incense.
The holiday prayer itself is generally similar to any other prayer, although it has its own individual characteristics. The prayer consists of two rak'ahs, in each of which believers perform 3 takbirs. And in the first rakah, the reading of the surah, as a rule, is followed by the surah “The Highest”.
In addition, on this day, believers usually visit relatives, perform good deeds, give alms, visit the graves of their deceased relatives and friends, etc.
How to spend Eid al-Adha
Second in importance, but not least, in Islamic doctrine is the holiday of sacrifice (Eid al-Adha, Kurban Bayram). It is celebrated on the tenth day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah (in 2019 it falls on August 11) - 70 days after the holiday of breaking the fast. On this day, Muslims begin to perform Kurban as a sign of gratitude to their Creator for the blessings with which He has endowed them. The sacrifice itself can last up to four days. (see below).
Eid al-Adha includes the following religious observances:
1. Performing Eid prayer
Similar to the Day of Breaking the Fast, believers on Eid al-Adha perform a festive prayer, which has no distinctive features from the prayer performed on Eid al-Fitr.
2. Sacrifice
The main event of Kurban Bayram is, of course, the ritual of sacrifice itself. Its performance on this day dates back to the times of Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.), when Allah sent down the most difficult test, namely, ordered him to sacrifice his eldest son, Prophet Ismail (a.s.). Having made sure that Ibrahim (a.s.) was ready to pass this test with dignity, the Almighty saved Ismail (a.s.) at the last moment and ordered his father to slaughter a ram as a sacrifice. In the collection of hadiths from Abu Dawood you can even find the saying of the Grace of the Worlds of Muhammad (s.g.w.): “Sacrifice is the sunnah of the Prophet Ibrahim.”
The ritual of sacrifice on Eid al-Adha is one of the most important types of worship of the One God. Indeed, in His Revelation He calls us:
“Perform prayer for the sake of your Lord and slaughter the sacrifice...” (108:2)
However, among Muslim theologians there are disagreements regarding the obligatory nature of the sacrifice. Some classify this as necessary action (wajib). And the above-mentioned verse is cited as an argument. Other scholars classify sacrifice on Kurban Gayet as a desirable action (sunnat). Supporters of this position rely on the hadith: “Whoever wishes to make a sacrifice should under no circumstances cut his hair or nails until he has made the sacrifice!” (Muslim). In this case, this part of the scientists focuses on the words “who wants to make a sacrifice...”, which, in their opinion, directly indicates the desirable nature of this rite.
Believers can perform Kurban both on the 10th day of the month of Dhul-Hajj and on the next three days, called Tashriq days, which are also considered holidays.
Let us add that on Eid al-Fitr, as on the day of Eid al-Fitr, the faithful visit their relatives, strive to do good deeds, give alms, etc.
