Muslims’ Eid-ul-adha highlights special sacrifice, pilgrimage

Publication Date: 11/24/2009

Muslim students and their families look forward to celebrating Eid-ul-adha, second of the two annual celebrations of Muslims, on Friday (Muslims follow lunar calendar for religious events). Eid-ul-adha is celebrated in the commemoration of the great sacrifice of Prophet Abraham described in the Divine book, Quran, as: “(Abraham prayed) My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous.” So We (”We” is plural of respect here, used as a pronoun for one God) gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy. And, when he was old enough to walk with him, he said: “O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you, so look what you think!” He said: “O my father! Do that which you are commanded, God willing, you shall find me of patient ones.” Then, when they had both submitted themselves, and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead; And We called out to him: “O Abraham! You have fulfilled the dream!” Verily! Thus do We reward the good-doers. Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (a ram); And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times. Peace be upon Abraham!” Thus indeed do We reward the good-doers. Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves. (37:100-111)

Some might wonder what connection Muslims have with Abraham. Well, Muslims believe in all prophets that God sent to mankind. No Muslim is a Muslim unless he believes in all of them including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, John, Jesus and final of them Muhammad (may peace be upon them all). Islam means submission to one God, it is not a new religion, and in fact it is the oldest one that has been here since the advent of man. Muslims believe that God is one, and so is His message and religion. All the prophets have been teaching the same message and carrying the same religion, religion of submission – Islam.

Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-adha by first offering a special prayer in big congregations, in the morning. Then those who can financially afford individually slaughter animals (lambs, goats, cows, buffalos and camels). Some of the meat of the slaughtered animals is kept for eating and rest is distributed among the poor, neighbors and relatives. This day is special for the poor, who get meat from everyone and can store it to have good food for next few weeks. It is special for children too who first go to buy animals a week or so before the Eid and then feed them and pamper them till the day of Eid arrives when they are slaughtered to commemorate Abraham’s obedience and act of submission. On the eve of Eid, everyone greets all one’s acquaintances, including distant relatives and old friends whom one could not keep contact with for a long time. People arrange feasts and have great time with family and friends.

In Islam, the concept of sacrifice is different from other religions. Blood does not please God or wipe out sins. Sin is the disobedience of God. Someone who disobeys God earns His displeasure, but God is All-Merciful and is willing to forgive all sins. All He requires from the sinner is that he should repent, ask for forgiveness, not repeat and rectify himself. People are encouraged to give in God’s way to help to feed the poor. Quran makes it clear that it is not the blood of the slaughtered animal that matters, nor is it its flesh, but it is actually the sincerity, piety, obedience and submission.

“It is neither their (slaughtered animals’) meat nor their blood that reaches Allah (God), but it is piety from you that reaches Him.” (22:37)

Eid-ul-adha is special to Muslims also because during this time another great Islamic ritual – Hajj – the Pilgrimage to Makkah, is performed. As Muslim students celebrate the Eid here at Purdue, nearly three million Muslims will be performing Hajj in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Hajj is obligatory on every Muslim who can physically and financially afford it, once in their lifetime. It is a unique ritual that has no parallel in other religions. It is a practical demonstration of equality of human beings, universality of religion and the brotherhood that it teaches.

People from all over the world, having all colors of skin, speaking all different languages, belonging to all different races, and coming from all walks of life, stand shoulder to shoulder, bow and prostrate together and perform other rituals together. They are all dressed the same; there are no hats of pride and robes of ranks and honor. All are equal and all submit and pray to one God together.

Aurangzeb Aurangzeb is a graduate student in the College of Engineering and may be reached at orangzeb@purdue.edu.