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Bismilaah-Ir-Rahameer-Raheem
Assalaamualaikum Wa rahmatullahi Wa barakatuhu Eid al-Adha also called Feast of the Sacrifice,
is a Major Festival, celebrated by Muslims worldwide to honour the willingness of the
prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his young first-born son Ismail (Ishmael)a as
an act of submission to Allah's command and his son's acceptance to being sacrificed,
before Allah intervened to provide Abraham with a Lamb to sacrifice instead.[2] In the
lunar Islamic calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and lasts
for four days. When Ismā'īl was about 13 (Abraham being 99), Allah decided to test
their faith in public. Abraham had a recurring dream, in which Allah was commanding him to
offer up for sacrifice -- an unimaginable act -- his son, whom Allah had granted him
after many years of deep prayer. Abraham knew that the dreams of the prophets were divinely
inspired, and one of the ways in which Allah communicated with his prophets. When the intent
of the dreams became clear to him, Abraham decided to fulfill Allah's command and offer
Ishmael for sacrifice. Although Abraham was ready to sacrifice his dearest for Allah's
sake, he could not just bring his son to the place of sacrifice without his consent. Ishmael
had to be consulted as to whether he was willing to give up his life in fulfillment of Allah's
command. Abraham presented the matter to his son and asked for his opinion about the dreams
of slaughtering him. Ishmael did not show any hesitation or reservation even for a moment.
He said, "Father, do what you have been commanded. You will find me, Insha'Allah (Allah willing),
to be very patient." His mature response, his deep insight into the nature of his father's
dreams, his commitment to Allah, and ultimately his willingness to sacrifice his own life
for the sake of Allah were all unprecedented. When Abraham attempted to cut Ishmael's throat,
he was astonished to see that Ishmael was unharmed and instead, he found a dead ram
which was slaughtered. Abraham had passed the test by his willingness to carry out Allah's
command.[1][14] This is mentioned in the Quran as follows: "O my Lord! Grant me a righteous
(son)!" So We gave him the good news of a boy, possessing forbearance. And when (his
son) was old enough to walk and work with him, (Abraham) said: O my dear son, I see
in vision that I offer you in sacrifice: Now see what is your view!" (The son) said: "O
my father! Do what you are commanded; if Allah wills, you will find me one practicing patience
and steadfastness!" So when they both submitted and he threw him down upon his forehead, We
called out to him saying: O Ibraheem! You have indeed fulfilled the vision; Abraham
had shown that his love for Allah superseded all others: that he would lay down his own
life or the lives of those dearest to him in submission to Allah's command. Muslims
commemorate this ultimate act of sacrifice every year during Eid al-Adha. The Eid al-Adha
prayer is performed anytime after the sun completely rises up to just before the entering
of Zuhr time, on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. In the event of a Force majeure(e.g. natural
disaster), the prayer may be delayed to the 11th of Dhul Hijjah and then to the 12th of
Dhul Hijjah. Men, women and children are expected to dress in their finest clothing to perform
Eid prayer in a large congregation is an open waqf ("stopping") field called Eidgah or mosque.
Affluent Muslims who can afford, i.e Malik-e-Nisaab; sacrifice their best halal domestic animals
(usually a cow, but can also be a camel, goat, sheep or ram depending on the region) as a
symbol of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his only son. The meat from the sacrificed
animal is divided into three parts. The family retains one third of the share; another third
is given to relatives, friends and neighbors; and the other third is given to the poor and
needy. The regular charitable practices of the Muslim community are demonstrated during
Eid al-Adha by concerted efforts to see that no impoverished person is left without an
opportunity to partake in the sacrificial meal during these days. During Eid al-Adha,
distributing meat among-st the people, chanting the Takbir out loud before the Eid prayers
on the first day and after prayers throughout the four days of Eid, are considered essential
parts of this important Islamic festival.