During the Islamic festival of Eid-al-Adha, or Feast of Sacrifice, Muslims around the world will be sacrificing animals to commemorate an important lesson from Prophet Abraham’s life.
At the age of 99, Prophet Abraham was ordered by God to sacrifice his dearest possession, his son Ishmael. After building an altar and tying up his son on it, he was about to strike with his knife when God stayed in his hand and gave him a lamb to sacrifice instead of his son.
What is Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Adha is a Muslim holiday that commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Every year, on the 10th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, Muslims around the world slaughter an animal and offer its meat to the poor and needy.
The act of sacrifice is a reminder of Ibrahim’s faith and a symbol of our own willingness to give up something dear to us for the sake of Allah.
It is also a time for us to remember those who are less fortunate than us and to be grateful for all that we have been blessed with.
What animal do you have to sacrifice?
On Eid-al-Adha, every Muslim is required to sacrifice an animal. The animal must be healthy and have no physical defects.
The most common animals that are sacrificed are cows, sheep, and goats.
Where do you have to slaughter the animal?
The animal must be slaughtered in a designated area, usually at a slaughterhouse.
The act of slaughtering the animal is called zibah. Zibah is carried out by a Muslim who recites the Takbir, or the declaration of faith while slaying the animal with a sharp knife.
The animal’s blood is then drained and its meat is divided into three parts. One-third is given to the poor and needy, another third is given to friends and family, and the last third is eaten by the household.
Time of the Eid-al-Adha festival
The Eid-al-Adha festival occurs during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. On the 10th day of this month, Muslims around the world begin the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca.
One of the main rites of this pilgrimage is the sacrifice of an animal. The animal is usually a sheep, but can also be a goat, cow, or camel. The meat from the sacrificed animal is distributed to the poor and needy.
How much meat will you get from the sacrificed animal?
When Muslim sacrifices an animal on Eid al-Adha, they are required to give away one-third of the meat to the poor and needy. The rest of the meat is divided among friends and family.
How much meat you get from the sacrificed animal depends on the size of the animal. A large cow can provide enough meat for an entire village, while a small goat may only provide enough for a single-family.
Practical tips before sacrificing an animal
Muslims around the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha, which commemorates the prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son at God’s command.
Part of the celebration involves sacrificing an animal, usually a sheep or goat. The meat is then distributed to the poor and needy. While this may seem barbaric to some, it is actually a very humane way of ensuring that those who are less fortunate have enough to eat.
Facts About Muslim Holidays
Islam is a religion with many holidays and celebrations. One of the most well-known is Eid al-Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice.
This holiday commemorates the story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son at God’s command. As a sign of his faith, Abraham sacrificed a lamb instead.
Today, Muslims around the world celebrate this holiday by sacrificing animals and sharing the meat with family, friends, and the poor.
