Eid ul-Adha 2021

In 2010, the total number of Muslims in Asia was about 1.1 billion. This is an astounding figure and countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh have some of the largest Muslim populations in the world. A number of adherents of Islam have lived in Asia especially in West Asia and South Asia since the beginning of Islamic history.

Eid is the most significant holiday on the Islamic calendar. There are two annually celebrated Eids in Islam: Eid-ul-Fitr, which signifies the completion of the Holy Month of Ramadan; and Eid-ul-Adha. Eid ul-Adha, in Arabic, means festival of the sacrifice- it is often referred to as the ‘Greater Eid.’

Eid al-Adha marks the culmination of the hajj (pilgrimage) rites at Minā, Saudi Arabia, near Mecca, but is celebrated by Muslims throughout the world.The day of the festival falls on the tenth day in the last (twelfth) month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar; Dhu-al-Hijjah. The day that celebrations fall on is dependent on a legitimate sighting of the moon, following the completion of the annual Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj. This year, It will take place on 20th July.

The celebration of Eid-ul-Adha also commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) devotion to Allah SWT and his readiness to sacrifice his son, Ismail (Ishmael). At the very point of sacrifice, Allah SWT intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram, which was to be slaughtered in place of his son. This command from Allah SWT was a test of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness and commitment to obey his Lord’s command.. Therefore, this Eid is deemed the festival of sacrifice. The act of slaughtering an animal as a sacrifice is done to mark this occasion in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice for Allah SWT.

The sacrificial animal must be in good health and over a certain age in order to be slaughtered, in a “halal”, Islamic way. The meat is shared three equal parts; for family, for friends and relatives, and for poor people. The aim is to ensure every Muslim in their community receives and eats meat. The purpose of the sacrifice and the ideology behind it is about learning to make a great sacrifice for one’s belief while feeding the poorest members of society. The celebration has clear overtones of kindness, equality and devotion to God.

Depending on the country, the celebrations of Eid-ul-Adha can last anywhere between two and four days. The act of Qurbani (sacrifice) is carried out following the Eid Salaah (Eid Prayers). These are carried out in the morning, performed in an assembly at the nearest Mosque.

Eid consists of great festivities all around the muslim community. Usually, the day is spent celebrating with family, friends and loved ones, often wearing best traditional attire and giving gifts.Women adorn their outfits with their finest jewellery and many pictures are taken so that families can fondly look back at their Eids over the years. It is truly a beautiful time for the Islamic community

The TeenAsia wishes all of our Muslim readers a very very happy Eid !!