Eid ul Adha 2021

Eid ul Adha 2021 expected date is 20th July. The final date will be confirmed after the moon sighting of the month of Dhul Hijjah, which is the last month of the Islamic calendar. Eid ul Adha is the most important ritual of the Muslim world. As the name suggests it is the day of the biggest celebrations and continues for three consecutive days. It is celebrated in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) loyalty and love for Allah. Allah tells us in Quran that he commanded Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his first-born son Hazrat Ismail (AS). Both were true believers and, despite the devil’s temptations, performed the ritual.

Quran quotes Hazrat Ismail as

“He (Ismail) said, “O my father! Do as you are commanded. If Allah wills, you shall find me of the patient”. (Quran, 37:102). What a beautiful example of trusting in Allah’s will? 

But this was a test of faith and submission to Allah’s will. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) wholly performed the sacrifice of his being blindfolded. To his surprise, Almighty has replaced his son with the ram. Therefore, Hazrat Ibrahim’s submission to Allah become the highest example of trust in Allah. Muslims celebrate Eid to pay gratitude to his faith. Every year pilgrims go to Makkah to perform the Pilgrimage and others celebrate Eid and sacrifice animals at their homes. Last year 2.5 million Muslims performed the Pilgrimage. 

The First ten days of Dull Hajjah

Apart from the pilgrimage, the month of Dull Hajjah is marked as the Islamic calendar’s holiest month. Our Prophet PBUH commanded us to pass these days in performing good deeds like reciting Quran, tasbih, fasting, and charity. The best tasbih for these days are Subhan Allah, Alhamdullilah, Allah u Akbar, Laa ilaaha ill-Allah). Especially on 9th Dul hajjah Muslims observe fasting, recitation, and prayers to Allah. The whole Muslim world unites and prays with pilgrims.  

A Pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj)

Muslims go for Pilgrimage to the city of Makkah in Saudia Arabia. Makkah and Madinah are the two holiest cities for Muslims. The Muslims perform the Pilgrimage on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of this month. It is an Islamic ritual of a week’s duration performed at Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafaat and known as Hajj. Also, Hajj is one of the five core beliefs of Islam. 

Eid ul Adha Preparations and Celebrations 

Let’s have a look at the celebrations and preparations of Eid ul Adha. 

1- Purchase of animals

Like other major events, Eid -ul- Azha preparations also start before time. People start searching for animals. The important part of Eid is animals. Naturally, the festivity revolves around them. In the old times, people buy and keep animals for many months. But now they are usually purchased the night before Eid. Some people do sacrifice more than one animal on the 2nd and 3rd days. Cows, goats, sheep, bull, camels, lambs are being purchased for slaughter. These animals are kept with love and care and sacrificed, according to Islamic Shariah.

Animal sellers move to the city animal market with their animals before Eid days. Sellers prefer animals with a balanced appearance and size. This whole process of buying and selling contributes greatly to the economy. The animal seller and butchers gain maximum profits during Eid ul Adha. It is the event of increased economic activity.

2- Purchase of new clothes, accessories, and shoes

Besides animal purchases, people also purchase new clothes, shoes, jewelry, makeup, and home accessories to shine out in Eid celebrations. 

3- Eid ul Adha Prayer Time

Eid ul Azha prayer time and sermon are considered most important during Eid day. Particularly, Muslims do make an effort to attend special Eid prayer and listen to the sermon on eid day. Without a doubt, everyone is in hurry to attend salah and sacrifice after salah. 

4- Slaughtering/sacrifice/ Qurbani

It is customary to start the slaughtering process right after Eid ul Adha prayer. As it is a known fact that Islam gives complete guidance on every aspect of life. In the same way, the treatment and slaughtering procedures are clearly explained. There is a specific procedure of slaughtering with the name of Allah, known as Takbeer. Animal slaughtering starts right after salah and continues for three days. People can do slaughtering anytime within three days. 

5- Meet and Greet 

Eid is time to meet and greet people. Also, friends and families exchange gifts with each other. It is also customary to travel back to their countries at Eid ul Azha. Naturally, Eid is an occasion for making strong bonds with families. 

6- Famous dishes

Cooking delicious meals is part of Eid ul Adha celebrations. Therefore we call it the festival of the biggest feast. This event is surely marked for sharing food with family. In this scenario, every country follows its food traditions. BBQ parties are the most famous tradition as everyone likes to have fun with friends and families. Besides, other famous dishes are hunter beef, beef pulao, mutton pulao, mutton karahi, beef tikka karahi, Skewered kababs, and chappal kababs. 

Important rules for Eid ul Adha sacrifice

• While everyone is happily celebrating Eid, it is important to remember that animals are treated well with good food and shelter. 
• They are treated in the light of the Prophet’s teachings. 
• They should have sharp knives and try not to give extra pain to the animals.
• Cleanliness is half faith: It is strongly recommended that people take care of animal waste, hide after slaughter, and wash and disinfect the place after slaughtering.

 Sacrifice /Qurbani meats orders in Islam

When Qurbani is over, then the meat should be equally distributed in three parts. One-third is for yourself. 2nd part is for friends, and the third part is for those who are in need. It is time to especially find and share your care with those brothers and sisters who can’t afford a good meal. It is time to unite with family and friends.

 Believe in Allah’s plans

Besides the social and economic reinforcements, Eid ul Adha makes our faith strong. In the first place, Hazrat Ibrahim’s set an example of perfect submission. More importantly, it gives us a lesson of faith. If we start believing in Allah’s plan, we will never lose patience and have stronger faith. Not to mention, life will be superb with conviction and hopefulness. 

Eid ul Adha is the biggest charity event

Eid ul Azha is the biggest event of charity indeed. Surely, no other event in the world can present such an example of charity and give away. It is commendable that the purpose of sacrifice is to please Allah, be thankful, and share the best meat with those who can’t afford it, and friends and family. Nonetheless, it is also a major contributor to the tannery industry in many leather exporting countries. According to a rough estimation, Eid contributes more than 20 percent of the tannery industry. Countries like Pakistan and India can boost leather exports due to this biggest event.

Basic Sunnah of Eid ul Adha 2021

Let’s revive the basic sunnah of Eid ul Adha 2021