Id al-Adha - The Feast of Sacrifice
Id al-Adha (عيد الأضحى) is an important Islamic festival also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice” or “Greater Bayram.” It marks the conclusion of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) and is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
Comprehensive Definition
Id al-Adha commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) to follow God’s command to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Ismail) as a test of faith. According to Islamic tradition, when God saw Abraham’s devotion, he provided a ram to be sacrificed instead of Ishmael. Consequently, Muslims practice the ritual of animal sacrifice, usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, during this festival as an emblem of Abraham’s obedience and devotion to God.
Etymology and Translations
The term “Id al-Adha” is derived from Arabic: “ʿĪd” meaning festival or celebration, and “al-Aḍḥā” meaning sacrifice. Here are translations in several languages:
- Arabic: عيد الأضحى
- Urdu: عید الاضحیٰ (Eid ul-Azha)
- Bengali: ঈদুল আযহা (Idul Azha)
- Persian: عید قربان (Eid-e Ghorban)
- Turkish: Kurban Bayramı
- Indonesian: Idul Adha
Historical Background
The roots of Id al-Adha trace back to the story of Abraham, which is shared across Abrahamic religions (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism). Historical records show that the practice began with the earliest Islamic community following the Prophet Muhammad’s migration to Medina in the 7th century CE, aligning with the rites of Hajj as outlined in the Qur’an and Hadiths.
Celebrations and Rituals
The celebrations start with a special morning prayer (Salat al-Eid) at the mosque. The ritual sacrifice typically occurs after the prayer, followed by a communal act where the meat is divided into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives, and one-third for the poor. The festival underscores key Islamic values of charity, community, and faith.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
While Id al-Adha is celebrated universally by Muslims, the festivities and customs can vary:
- In Middle Eastern countries, there may be large public feasts and community events.
- In South Asian countries, the distribution of gifts and sweets plays a significant role.
- In African countries, traditional music and dance accompany the rituals.
- In Western countries, Muslims might focus more on communal prayers and charity initiatives.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Related Terms
- Synonyms: Festival of Sacrifice, Greater Bayram (particularly in Turkey)
- Antonyms: Id al-Fitr (پچھلے previous holiday marking the end of Ramadan)
- Related Terms:
- Hajj: The pilgrimage to Mecca, coinciding with Id al-Adha
- Abraham (Ibrahim): The patriarch in the Abrahamic religions whose faith is commemorated during Id al-Adha
Exciting Facts
- The meat of the sacrificed animal helped fight food scarcity among the poor in many Islamic communities historically.
- The practice promotes the virtue of charity and community bonding, crucial tenets in Islam.
- The festival’s specific date isn’t fixed to the Gregorian calendar but shifts about 10 days earlier each year due to the lunar Islamic calendar.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- “Id al-Adha, with its edge of sacrifice and compassion, signifies the spirit of giving and humanity central to the Islamic creed.” — Dr. Amina Wadud.
- “Through the lens of Id al-Adha, one can glimpse the profound values of faith and generosity deeply embedded within Islamic practices.” — Prof. Akbar Ahmed.
Suggested Literature and Sources for Further Studies
- Books:
- “Islamic Festivals: Symbols, Rituals, and Community” - by Tariq Ramadan
- “The Hajj: Pilgrimage in Islam” - by Eric Tagliacozzo
- Articles:
- “Significance of Id al-Adha in Modern Islamic Context” in the Journal of Islamic Studies.
- “Charity and Sacrifice: Social Dynamics of Id al-Adha” on Al-Islam.org
Inspirational Thought
May every act of sacrifice in Id al-Adha remind us of our duty to share, care, and spread kindness in our communities.
Farewell and may the sacrifices and acts of charity performed during Id al-Adha continuously inspire you to contribute positively to the world around you.
Salman Draygul
Published on 2023-10-02
