ONE of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic faith, Eid ul-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, will be commemorated by Muslims across the country today (June 17). Muslim pilgrims attend the symbolic stoning of the devil ritual at the Jamarat Bridge during the Hajj pilgrimage near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on the first day of Eid ul-Adha during which they throw pebbles at three large pillars. Saudi authorities said more than 1.5 million pilgrims arrived for this year's Hajj season. Eid al-Adha is the holiest of the two Muslims holidays celebrated each year. Muslims slaughter a sacrificial animal and split the meat into three parts, one for the family, one for friends and relatives, and one for the poor and needy. Picture: EPA-EFE/Mohamed Hossam
ONE of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic faith, Eid ul-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, will be commemorated by Muslims across the country today (June 17).
Moulana Muhammad Ameer, of the Darul Ihsan Humanitarian Centre, said the event and its profound lessons were for humanity to celebrate and emulate.
“Eid ul-Adha stems from the divine command related to Ibrahim (may peace be upon him) in a dream wherein he sees himself slaughtering his son Ismaeel (may peace be upon him). Both father and son proceed to fulfill this divine command without any hesitation and in total submission. Almighty Allah replaces the sacrifice with a ram and Ismaeel is spared.
“Muslims commemorate Eid ul-Adha in fulfillment of this great legacy and act of submission to the divine, as well as draw from it the lessons of obedience, piety and adherence to the divine command,” he said.
Ameer said Muslims commemorated the day by performing prayer and sacrificing a sacrificial animal for the pleasure of Almighty Allah.
“Muslims begin the day by performing the Eid prayer in congregation of large numbers. The act of sacrificing an animal, also known as 'Qurbani', is the most noble act of piety on this day. Muslims are also advised to undertake their sacrifice with the spirit of unity, brotherhood, respect and dignity for the pleasure of Almighty Allah.
"Furthermore, through the lessons of sacrifice, Muslims should adopt and emulate the character, discipline, obedience and concern for humanity demonstrated by the messengers (may peace be upon them all).
“The centre wishes the Muslim community, Eid Mubarak, and calls on Muslims to remember our brothers and sisters in Gaza, Palestine by intensifying our duas (prayers) and efforts to end the genocide,” he said.
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