Acts of Eid al-Adha (Day of Sacrifice)

Introduction

Eid al-Adha, also called the Day of Sacrifice (Yawm al-Nahr), is one of the greatest days in Islam. Muslims celebrate it on the 10th day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah. This day is connected with the rites of Hajj and the sacrificial slaughter, commemorating the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. On this blessed day, Muslims perform several worship, social, and spiritual acts.

Main Acts on Eid al-Adha (Day of Sacrifice)

1. Takbeer (Glorification of Allah)

The day starts with reciting the Takbeer (Allah Akbar, Allah Akbar, La ilaha illa Allah, Wallahu Akbar, Allah Akbar wa lillah al-hamd from after Fajr prayer until the end of the days of Tashreeq (13th Dhul-Hijjah) (Al-Bukhari, 1421 AH).

2. Eid Prayer

Eid prayer is performed in congregation, preferably in mosques or open spaces, and it is a confirmed Sunnah. It is recommended to go early for it (An-Nawawi, 1409 AH).

3. Sacrificial Slaughter (Nahr)

On Eid day, Muslims are encouraged to sacrifice an animal—sheep, camel, cow, or goat—as a means of closeness to Allah. The preferred time is after the Eid prayer until sunset (Ibn Qudamah, 1406 AH). Sacrifice is a confirmed Sunnah for those who can afford it (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

4. Distributing the Meat

It is recommended to divide the meat into three parts: one-third for family, one-third for friends and neighbors, and one-third for the poor and needy (Ibn Qudamah, 1406 AH). This encourages social solidarity and mercy.

5. Visiting Relatives

Eid al-Adha is an opportunity to strengthen family and social ties through visiting relatives and maintaining kinship (Al-Shafi’i, 1395 AH).

6. Fasting on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah)

Fasting on the day before Eid (Day of Arafah) is highly recommended and is said to expiate sins of the past and coming year (Al-Bukhari).

7. Supplication and Remembrance

Muslims increase supplications, seeking forgiveness, reading the Quran, and remembering Allah, as this day has great virtue (Quran, Al-Baqarah: 185).

Importance of the Acts of Eid al-Adha

The acts combine individual and collective worship and carry deep spiritual and social meanings such as devotion, social solidarity, gratitude, and closeness to Allah. The sacrifice symbolizes the Muslim’s submission and gratitude to Allah.

Conclusion

Eid al-Adha is a day of joy and celebration, but also of worship and sacrifice. Muslims strive to revive the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), enhancing the spiritual and social values that unite the Islamic community.

References

• Al-Bukhari, Muhammad ibn Ismail. Sahih al-Bukhari. Dar Al-Fikr, Beirut.

• Muslim, Muhammad ibn al-Hajjaj. Sahih Muslim. Dar Ihya’ al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut.

• Ibn Qudamah, Abdullah ibn Ahmad. Al-Mughni. Dar Al-Fikr.

• An-Nawawi, Yahya ibn Sharaf. Al-Majmu’ Sharh al-Muhadhdhab. Dar Al-Ma’rifah.

• Al-Shafi’i, Muhammad ibn Idris. Al-Umm. Dar Ihya’ al-Turath al-Arabi.

• The Holy Quran.