The true meaning of Eid-ul-Adha

Eid-ul-Adha, the second biggest celebration of the Muslim community will be observed on Saturday, September 2 around the globe. It is this occasion when the Haj pilgrimage is made by the Muslims in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Eid-ul-Adha like Eid-ul-Fitr also dwells on one important message – that is sacrifice.

As mentioned in the Holy Quran, Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon him) in his dream was asked by Allah (swt) to sacrifice his only son Hazrat Ismail (pbuh). Without doubting this command, Hazrat Ibrahim decided to sacrifice his son, and as he ran his knife over his son, it was miraculously replaced by a goat.

To commemorate Hazrat Ibrahim’s unwavering faith over Allah’s command, Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated by every believing Muslim in the world. The message being sacrificing the things one loves the most which is love for worldly possessions, pleasure, money, etc.

Both these festivals remind the individual to sacrifice their love for worldly pleasures in the way of God and doing good.

Sacrificing an animal (goat, cow or camel) is a way to commemorate the example set by Hazrat Ibrahim. The meat from the animal is not just for oneself, but it is to be divided into three equal parts, one for the less fortunate, second part for the friends and relatives and the third part for himself.

Kiwi-Muslims will observe Eid-ul-Adha on Saturday, September 2 with prayer services at all the mosques across New Zealand. The prayer service starts with reciting verses of the Holy Quran, the congregational Eid Salah, Qutbah (sermon) and then musafah (greetings). It is advised to people travelling towards Eidgah (venues hosting Eid prayers) to recite the Taqbeer as it is a sunnah according to some scholars.

New Zealand Eid Day, not for profit charitable organisation is hosting a mass prayer service and post prayer fun activities for families and children at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday. There will be Henna and clothes for women, bouncing castles and fun games for children, lip smacking cuisines of Middle Eastern countries, India, Pakistan, Malaysia etc.

The Taqbeer will start at 8:45 a.m. and Eid Salah will begin at 9 a.m. sharp.