STUDY ISLAM - Eid al-Adha is one of two biggest festival that is celebrated by Muslims throughout the world. Eid al-Adha is also known as the festival of sacrifice and sacrifice feast.
The festival of Eid al-Adha is celebrated in the remembrance of prophet Abraham’s biggest trials to forfeit/slaughter his "one and only" son, Ishmael (pbuh), for god. The story about this festival tells, when he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. And Allah replace Ishmael with sheep. Prophet Abraham (pbuh) had shown that his love for his Lord superceded all others (including his own son), that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to Allah Almighty God.
Because of his love, Allah praise him in Qur'an:
The festival of Eid al-Adha is celebrated in the remembrance of prophet Abraham’s biggest trials to forfeit/slaughter his "one and only" son, Ishmael (pbuh), for god. The story about this festival tells, when he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. And Allah replace Ishmael with sheep. Prophet Abraham (pbuh) had shown that his love for his Lord superceded all others (including his own son), that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to Allah Almighty God.
Because of his love, Allah praise him in Qur'an:
"Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." [QS. An-Nahl 16:120-121]
During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Prophet Abraham's (pbuh) trials, by forfeit their domestic animals such as a sheep, cow, goat, or camel. This forfeit made by Muslims is known as “Qurban”. Once the animal is sacrificed then the meat of the animal is distributed among the friends, relatives, neighbors and poor people.
But this action of slaughtering animal is very often misunderstood by non-Muslims. Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.
The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.
It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations:
"It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." [QS. Al-Hajj 22:37]
The symbolism is in the attitude - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah's commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.
Source: http://islam.about.com
Source: http://islam.about.com
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