why Muslims celebrate Eid al Aduha Arafa
Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha and Arafa as two separate events.
1. Eid al-Adha: Also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha is a significant religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the obedience of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and the willingness of his son Ismail (Ishmael) to be sacrificed for the sake of Allah (God). According to Islamic tradition, just as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, Allah provided a ram for him to sacrifice instead. On this day, Muslims slaughter animals such as sheep, goat, or cow, symbolizing Ibrahim's obedience and willingness to give up something dear to him. The meat is then divided into three parts: one part for the family, one part for relatives and friends, and one part for the poor and needy.
2. Day of Arafa: Arafa refers to the Day of Arafah, which is the second day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It falls on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, the day before Eid al-Adha. On this day, pilgrims gather at the Mount Arafat plain and combine their prayers, seeking forgiveness and blessings from Allah. Muslims who are not performing the Hajj also fast on this day, as it is considered a highly virtuous act and an opportunity for the forgiveness of sins.
So, while Eid al-Adha is a celebration of Ibrahim's sacrifice, the Day of Arafa is a separate event during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Muslims celebrate two major holidays each year: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is the second major festival in Islam. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, which coincides with the annual pilgrimage to Mecca called Hajj.
Here are the steps involved in the celebration of Eid al-Adha:
1. Hijrah and Days of Hajj: The Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah begins with the commemoration of the migration of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijrah. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are considered very sacred, and Muslims strive to engage in acts of worship and good deeds during this time. These days also correspond to the days of Hajj.
2. Arafah Day: The ninth day of Dhul Hijjah is called the Day of Arafah. Pilgrims performing Hajj gather at Mount Arafat, where they engage in prayers and supplications, seeking forgiveness and mercy from Allah. This is considered the most important day of Hajj, and Muslims outside of Hajj also fast on this day, as it is highly recommended.
3. Takbeer and Qurbani: On the morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims gather early in the morning for congregational prayer called the Eid prayer. Before the prayer, a special call to prayer, known as the Takbeer, is made to signal the start of the festival. Muslims recite this Takbeer throughout the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.
4. Sacrifice (Qurbani): After the Eid prayer, Muslims traditionally sacrifice an animal known as Qurbani. This act commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah. The sacrificed animal can be a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, and the meat is usually divided into three parts: one-third for the family, one-third for friends and relatives, and one-third for the needy and poor.
5. Festivities and Charity: After performing the sacrifice, Muslims gather with family and friends to celebrate Eid. They exchange gifts, wear new clothes, and enjoy festive meals. It is also encouraged to give to charity during this time, as helping the less fortunate is an important part of the celebration.
6. Visit and Prayers: Muslims also visit the graves of their loved ones during Eid al-Adha to pay respects and offer prayers for the deceased. They may engage in acts of remembrance and supplication as well.
Overall, the celebration of Eid al-Adha combines acts of worship, remembrance, sacrifice, and community-building. It is a time for Muslims to express gratitude, strengthen bonds with family and friends, and remember the spirit of sacrifice and obedience exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim and his family.