adminIN a few days, Muslims across the globe celebrate the Eid-ul-Ad’haa (Festival of Sacrifice), whilst millions of Muslims have already converged on the Holy city of Makkah for the Annual Hajj – Pilgrimage. What is Eid-ul Ad’haa? Eid-ul Ad’haa is the Feast of Sacrifice or Day of Sacrifice, observed by Muslims the world over in true commemoration of the sacrifice of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) – who was one of the Great Messengers of God Almighty.
The celebration of Eid-ul Ad’haa is in commemoration of the command given by Allah to Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) to sacrifice his first born son Ishmael for His sake.
The readiness to fulfil this noble command of Allah by Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) signifies his faith in Allah. Muslims the world over commemorate this annually by offering a sacrifice in the name of The Almighty.
The Eid-ul Ad’haa comes a day after the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage, and it is the second of the two major Muslim Holy Days. The other is Eid-ul-Fitr which follows immediately after Ramadhaan (the month of fasting).
Significance of Eid-ul Ad’haa
Eid-ul Ad’haa is a day of increased remembrance of The Almighty. Muslims make a fresh start of the day by a session of extra congregational prayers to Allah- Salaatul-Eid (Eid Prayer). This is followed by a short sermon after which everyone interacts by congratulating each other and expressing their joy and happiness.
Muslims use the occasion to pray to Allah and to glorify His name to demonstrate the remembrance of His grace and favours. Those who can afford to do so then offer domestic animals, usually sheep and goats as a symbol of Ibrahim’s sacrifice.
The needy and less-fortunate in society are also remembered by showing them sympathy and consolation. A portion of the sacrificial meat is shared with them. Family and friends are also included in the sharing of the sacrificial meat, thus cementing the bonds of relationship and friendship within the community.
The Hajj
In accordance with the Islamic requirements one of the five pillars of faith prescribes as a duty that Muslims go on Pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah, Saudi Arabia at least once in their lifetime on condition they have the financial and physical means to do so.
The Hajj consists of several important acts of worship symbolising the essential concepts of Islamic faith and to commemorate the trials of the Great Messenger of Allah, Prophet Abraham (PBUH) and his family.
The pilgrimage also enables Muslims from all around the world of different cultures, languages, races, and ethnicities to come together in a spirit of universal brotherhood and sisterhood to worship the One God together.
Celebrating Eid-ul Ad’haa
Eid-ul Ad’haa is observed after conclusion of the Hajj.
The first day of this celebration is held on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah which is the last month of the Islamic calendar and the feast goes on for three days.
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar calendar. It comprises 12 months with each month beginning at sunset on the day when the lunar crescent appears after the new moon and can be sighted by the unaided eye.
Visibility depends on a large number of factors including weather condition, the altitude of the moon at sunset, the closeness of the moon to the sun at sunset, the interval between sunset and moon-set, atmospheric pollution, the quality of the eyesight of the observer and so forth.
As a result, although the phases of the moon can be predicted accurately, the moon’s visibility at a given place on Earth cannot be accurately estimated in advance. Thus, the feast day may well be celebrated on different days in various areas or regions of the world.
So do Muslims worship
the moon?
No not at all! Sadly, this is not only a major misconception but actually in some instances it is intentionally spread to discredit Islam and Muslims.
Islam upholds the pure monotheistic beliefs and practices conveyed by all the Messengers and Prophets of The Almighty.
The only role the moon plays in the life of a Muslim is the fact that its new crescent heralds the commencement of the new month.
Just like in old times, the folk would count the months by checking the phases of the moon (even at present in many rural areas the folk follow the lunar calendar and not the solar one).
Muslims do not and cannot pray “to” or even “through” the moon (or for that matter any other celestial body, object, humans, spirits and so forth).
Muslims do not even pray to the Ka’bah, which is in Makkah in any way whatsoever. Prayer, worship, service and submission is to The One and Only Supreme Being, The Creator, Sustainer, Nourisher and Cherisher of the entire Universe – Allah Almighty.
The Ka’bah, this is a cube-like structure originally built by Prophet Abraham (PBUH) in Makkah as a house of worship. He was instructed by Allah Almighty to build it and upon completion, circumbulate it (go around it) in devotion to Allah Almighty.
Muslims emulate this practice to this day and observe the circumbulation when they go to Hajj. This is not an act of worship to the Ka’bah but an act of emulating Prophet Abraham (PBUH) in devotion and service to Allah Almighty.
So why do Muslim face Makkah when praying?
As mentioned above, it was built by Prophet Abraham (PBUH) as a place of worship. Muslims have been instructed to use it as a focal point not only for the Hajj but also for their daily prayers.
So wherever a Muslim may be, when he or she observes prayer they will face the direction of the Ka’bah in Makkah so as to observe uniformity and solidarity and portray an underlying unity with all other Muslims across the globe.
For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact:
Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars
Publications Department
PO Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare
Tel: 04-614078 / 614004, Fax: 04-614003/ e-mail: [email protected].
Online Reporter