Difference between revisions of "Id al-Adha" - New World Encyclopedia

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[[Image:Photo-0105.jpg|thumb|Eid Ghah open air worship place]]
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[[Image:Photo-0105.jpg|thumb|Eid Ghah, open air worship place]]
 
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'''Eid al-Adha''' ([[Arabic language|Arabic]]: عيد الأضحى ''‘Īd al-’Aḍḥā'') is a religious festival celebrated by [[Islam|Muslims]] worldwide as a commemoration of [[Ibrahim]]'s ([[Abraham]]'s) willingness to sacrifice his son [[Ismael]] for [[Allah]], but a voice from heaven allows Ibrahim to sacrifice a goat instead.<ref>See the account at Q. 37: 101-107. The “son” is not named but counting Ishmael as Abraham’s first son, Muslims associate the intended victim with Ishmael. In Genesis, Isaac is name (Gen. 22).</ref> It is one of two [[Eid]] festivals that Muslims celebrate. Like [[Id al-Fitra]], Eid ul-Adha also begins with a short prayer followed by a sermon ''([[khutba|khuṭba]])''. Eid al-Adha is four days long and starts on the tenth day of the month of [[Dhul Hijja]] (ذو الحجة) of the lunar [[Islamic calendar]]. This is the day after the pilgrims in [[Hajj]], the annual pilgrimage to [[Mecca]] in [[Saudi Arabia]] by Muslims from around the world descend from [[Mount Arafat]]. It happens to be approximately 70 days after the end of the month of [[Ramadan]]. Like Eid al-Fitr, it is a time when Muslims express solidarity with the whole community, and most of what is killed and cooked is “given to the poor.”<ref>Ahmed, 38.</ref> The fact that all Muslims participate in the Feast “serves to bind into one celebrating community the whole household of Islam within and beyond its religious center.”<ref>Cragg, 110.</ref>
'''Eid al-Adha''' ([[Arabic language|Arabic]]: عيد الأضحى ''‘Īd al-’Aḍḥā'') is a religious festival celebrated by [[Islam|Muslims]] worldwide as a commemoration of [[Ibrahim]]'s ([[Abraham]]'s) willingness to sacrifice his son [[Ismael]] for [[Allah]], but a voice from heaven allows Ibrahim to sacrifice a goat instead. <ref>See the account at Q. 37: 101 107. The “son” is not named but counting Ishmael as Abraham’s first son, Muslims associate the intended victim with Ishmael. In Genesis, Isaac is name (Gen. 22) </ref>It is one of two [[Eid]] festivals that Muslims celebrate. Like [[Id al-Fitra]], Eid ul-Adha also begins with a short prayer followed by a sermon ''([[khutba|khuṭba]])''.   Eid al-Adha is 4 days long and starts on the 10th day of the month of [[Dhul Hijja]] (ذو الحجة) of the lunar [[Islamic calendar]]. This is the day after the pilgrims in [[Hajj]], the annual pilgrimage to [[Mecca]] in [[Saudi Arabia]] by Muslims from around the world descend from [[Mount Arafat]]. It happens to be approximately 70 days after the end of the month of [[Ramadan]]. Like Eid al-Fitr, it is a time when Muslims express solidarity with the whole community, and most of what is killed and cooked is “given to the poor.” <ref>Ahmed, p 38</ref>The fact that all Muslim participate in the Feast “serves to bind into one celebrating community the whole household of Islam within and beyond its religious center.” <ref>Cragg, p 110</ref>
 
  
 
==Other names for Eid al-Adha==
 
==Other names for Eid al-Adha==
 
Eid-ul-Adha (Adha Eid) has other popular names across the Muslim world, such as ''Eid el-Kibir'' in [[Morocco]], [[Algeria]], [[Tunisia]], [[Egypt]] and [[Libya]]; ''Tfaska Tamoqqart'' in the [[Berber language]] of Jerba; and ''Tabaski'' or ''Tobaski'' in some parts of [[Africa]]; ''Babbar Sallah'' in [[Nigeria]] and [[West Africa]]; ''Ciidwayneey'' in [[Somalia]] and Somali speaking regions of [[Kenya]] and [[Ethiopia]].
 
Eid-ul-Adha (Adha Eid) has other popular names across the Muslim world, such as ''Eid el-Kibir'' in [[Morocco]], [[Algeria]], [[Tunisia]], [[Egypt]] and [[Libya]]; ''Tfaska Tamoqqart'' in the [[Berber language]] of Jerba; and ''Tabaski'' or ''Tobaski'' in some parts of [[Africa]]; ''Babbar Sallah'' in [[Nigeria]] and [[West Africa]]; ''Ciidwayneey'' in [[Somalia]] and Somali speaking regions of [[Kenya]] and [[Ethiopia]].
  
In [[India]] and [[Pakistan]] it is also called ''Bakra Eid'', where the [[goat]] is the animal most likely to be sacrificed. In [[Bangladesh]] it is called either ঈদ-উল-আজহা ''Id-ul-Azha'' or কোরবানী ঈদ ''Korbani Id''. In [[Islam in South Africa|South Africa]] it is also called ''Bakri Eid'' (or simply ''Bakrid'' in India). The [[Indonesia]]n term is ''Idul Adha.''
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In [[India]] and [[Pakistan]] it is also called ''Bakra Eid'', where the [[goat]] is the animal most likely to be sacrificed. In [[Bangladesh]] it is called either ঈদ-উল-আজহা ''Id-ul-Azha'' or কোরবানী ঈদ ''Korbani Id''. In [[Islam in South Africa|South Africa]] it is also called ''Bakri Eid'' (or simply ''Bakrid'' in India). The [[Indonesia]]n term is ''Idul Adha.''
 
 
In [[Turkey]] it is often referred to as the ''[[Kurban Bayramı]]'' or "Sacrifice Feast." Similarly, in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Albania]] and [[Bulgaria]] it is referred as ''Kurban Bajram''. In [[Kazakhstan]], it is referred to as ''Qurban Ait''. In [[Kurdish language|Kurdish]] it is called ''Cejna Qurbanê''[http://www.netkurd.com/nuce.asp?id=5022]. In [[Afghanistan]] it is called "''Eid-e-Qurban''" by [[Dari]]-speakers and "''Loy Akhtar''" (literally, "Big Eid") or "''Qurbanay Akhtar''" by [[Pashto]]-speakers.
 
This Eid is for 4 days. It is also known as the greater Eid (or as Big Eid) because it is a day longer than Eid-ul-Fitr.  The killing of the sacrificial animal is preceded by prayers, often outside in order to accommodate the larger numbers of people who attend.
 
  
 +
In [[Turkey]] it is often referred to as the ''[[Kurban Bayramı]]'' or "Sacrifice Feast." Similarly, in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Albania]] and [[Bulgaria]] it is referred as ''Kurban Bajram''. In [[Kazakhstan]], it is referred to as ''Qurban Ait''. In [[Kurdish language|Kurdish]] it is called ''Cejna Qurbanê''. In [[Afghanistan]] it is called "''Eid-e-Qurban''" by [[Dari]]-speakers and "''Loy Akhtar''" (literally, "Big Eid") or "''Qurbanay Akhtar''" by [[Pashto]]-speakers.
 +
This Eid is for four days. It is also known as the greater Eid (or as Big Eid) because it is a day longer than Eid-ul-Fitr. The killing of the sacrificial animal is preceded by prayers, often outside in order to accommodate the larger numbers of people who attend.
  
 
==Eid ul-Adha in the Gregorian calendar==
 
==Eid ul-Adha in the Gregorian calendar==
While Eid ul-Adha is always on the same day of the Islamic calendar, the date on the [[Gregorian calendar]] varies from year to year since the Islamic calendar is a [[lunar calendar]] and the Gregorian calendar is a [[solar calendar]]. The Lunar calendar is approximately 10 days shorter than the Solar calendar. Each year, Eid ul-Adha (like other Islamic holidays) falls on one of two different Gregorian dates in different parts of the world, due to the fact that the boundary of crescent visibility is different from the [[International date line]].
+
While Eid ul-Adha is always on the same day of the Islamic calendar, the date on the [[Gregorian calendar]] varies from year to year since the Islamic calendar is a [[lunar calendar]] and the Gregorian calendar is a [[solar calendar]]. The Lunar calendar is approximately ten days shorter than the Solar calendar. Each year, Eid ul-Adha (like other Islamic holidays) falls on one of two different Gregorian dates in different parts of the world, due to the fact that the boundary of crescent visibility is different from the [[International Date Line]].  
  
 
==Udhiya (Qurbani)==
 
==Udhiya (Qurbani)==
  
Qurbani was offered to deities prior to Islam, and should correctly be called Udhiya. Qurbani is a phrase commonly used in the Indian sub-continent and in Iran.
+
Qurbani was offered to deities prior to [[Islam]], and should correctly be called Udhiya. Qurbani is a phrase commonly used in the Indian sub-continent and in [[Iran]].
  
This is the sacrifice as ordained upon Muslims to be given at the time of Eid al-Adha. Every Muslim adult; male and female as long as they have the means– are required to offer this sacrifice. The rewards are the same and the benefits include feeding the poor. Costs vary between countries, with the cheapest being around $15 US for one part.
+
This is the sacrifice as ordained upon Muslims to be given at the time of Eid al-Adha. Every Muslim adult; male and female&mdash;as long as they have the means&mdash;are required to offer this sacrifice. The rewards are the same and the benefits include feeding the poor. Costs vary between countries, with the cheapest being around $15 US for one part.
  
The slaughter of a small (domestic) grazing animal e.g. sheep, ram, goat, etc suffices per person, and a large (domestic) grazing animal e.g. cow, buffalo, camel, etc suffices for seven people. For many Muslims around the world who live in poverty the only time they are able to eat meat is during the time of Qurbani.
+
The slaughter of a small (domestic) grazing animal like sheep, ram, goat, etc., suffices per person, and a large (domestic) grazing animal, for example, [[cow]], [[buffalo]], [[camel]], etc., suffices for seven people. For many Muslims around the world who live in [[poverty]] the only time they are able to eat meat is during the time of Qurbani.
  
In addition to it being an ordained act Muhammad said that for every hair of a sacrificed animal a person will receive a reward. Traditionally, one third is eaten by the family, one third by friends and one third by the poor. The animals are slaughtered ritually. The throat is cut as Allah name is pronounced, and the blood is then drained from the carcass.  
+
In addition to it being an ordained act Muhammad said that for every hair of a sacrificed animal a person will receive a reward. Traditionally, one third is eaten by the family, one third by friends and one third by the poor. The animals are slaughtered ritually. The throat is cut as Allah name is pronounced, and the [[blood]] is then drained from the carcass.
  
 
==In the Context of the Hajj (pilgrimage)==  
 
==In the Context of the Hajj (pilgrimage)==  
[[Image:Hajj1.gif|tumb|right|The route followed during the Hajj, which culminates with Ed al-Adha]]
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[[Image:Hajj1.gif|tumb|right|The route followed during the Hajj, which culminates with Ed al-Adha.]]
As this festival marks the end of the pilgrimage but it celebrated world-wide, it enables all Muslims to identify with those who are on pilgrimage. The whole experience of the hajj is closely linked with the memory of [[Abraham]], who instituted the pilgrimage (Q22: 26-27) and also with [[Ishmael]] and [[Hagar]]. Described as a friend of God, Abraham is a model of the life of faith and obedience: "Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121).
+
As this festival marks the end of the pilgrimage and it is celebrated world-wide, it enables all Muslims to identify with those who are on pilgrimage. The whole experience of the hajj is closely linked with the memory of [[Abraham]], who instituted the pilgrimage (Q22: 26-27) and also with [[Ishmael]] and [[Hagar]]. Described as a friend of God, Abraham is a model of the life of faith and obedience: "Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121).
  
 
The ritual slaughter of an animal signifies that just as Abraham was willing to sacrifice what he valued above all, so are Muslims.  
 
The ritual slaughter of an animal signifies that just as Abraham was willing to sacrifice what he valued above all, so are Muslims.  
Line 51: Line 49:
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
*Ahmed, Akbar S ''Islam Today: A Short Introduction to the Muslim World'', London: I. B Tauris, 2002 ISBN 1960642578
+
*Ahmed, Akbar S. ''Islam Today: A Short Introduction to the Muslim World''. London: I. B Tauris, 2002.
*Cragg, Kenneth ''The Call of the Minaret'', Oxford: Oneworld, 3rd ed, 2000 ISBN 1851682104
+
*Cragg, Kenneth. ''The Call of the Minaret'', 3rd. ed. Oxford: Oneworld, 2000. ISBN 1851682104
*Esposito, John L ''Islam: The Straight Path'', NY: Oxford University Press, 1998 ISBN 0195112342
+
*Esposito, John L. ''Islam: The Straight Path''. NY: Oxford University Press, 1998. ISBN 0195112342
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
*[http://i-keighley.com/news/View.php?ArticleID=27 Background to Eid ul Adha] Retrieved December 23, 2007.
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*[http://i-keighley.com/news/View.php?ArticleID=27 Background to Eid ul Adha] Retrieved January 31, 2008.
 
 
  
 
[[Category:Religion]]
 
[[Category:Religion]]

Revision as of 00:04, 1 February 2008

Eid Ghah, open air worship place

Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى ‘Īd al-’Aḍḥā) is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide as a commemoration of Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael for Allah, but a voice from heaven allows Ibrahim to sacrifice a goat instead.[1] It is one of two Eid festivals that Muslims celebrate. Like Id al-Fitra, Eid ul-Adha also begins with a short prayer followed by a sermon (khuṭba). Eid al-Adha is four days long and starts on the tenth day of the month of Dhul Hijja (ذو الحجة) of the lunar Islamic calendar. This is the day after the pilgrims in Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims from around the world descend from Mount Arafat. It happens to be approximately 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan. Like Eid al-Fitr, it is a time when Muslims express solidarity with the whole community, and most of what is killed and cooked is “given to the poor.”[2] The fact that all Muslims participate in the Feast “serves to bind into one celebrating community the whole household of Islam within and beyond its religious center.”[3]

Other names for Eid al-Adha

Eid-ul-Adha (Adha Eid) has other popular names across the Muslim world, such as Eid el-Kibir in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt and Libya; Tfaska Tamoqqart in the Berber language of Jerba; and Tabaski or Tobaski in some parts of Africa; Babbar Sallah in Nigeria and West Africa; Ciidwayneey in Somalia and Somali speaking regions of Kenya and Ethiopia.

In India and Pakistan it is also called Bakra Eid, where the goat is the animal most likely to be sacrificed. In Bangladesh it is called either ঈদ-উল-আজহা Id-ul-Azha or কোরবানী ঈদ Korbani Id. In South Africa it is also called Bakri Eid (or simply Bakrid in India). The Indonesian term is Idul Adha.

In Turkey it is often referred to as the Kurban Bayramı or "Sacrifice Feast." Similarly, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania and Bulgaria it is referred as Kurban Bajram. In Kazakhstan, it is referred to as Qurban Ait. In Kurdish it is called Cejna Qurbanê. In Afghanistan it is called "Eid-e-Qurban" by Dari-speakers and "Loy Akhtar" (literally, "Big Eid") or "Qurbanay Akhtar" by Pashto-speakers. This Eid is for four days. It is also known as the greater Eid (or as Big Eid) because it is a day longer than Eid-ul-Fitr. The killing of the sacrificial animal is preceded by prayers, often outside in order to accommodate the larger numbers of people who attend.

Eid ul-Adha in the Gregorian calendar

While Eid ul-Adha is always on the same day of the Islamic calendar, the date on the Gregorian calendar varies from year to year since the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar and the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar. The Lunar calendar is approximately ten days shorter than the Solar calendar. Each year, Eid ul-Adha (like other Islamic holidays) falls on one of two different Gregorian dates in different parts of the world, due to the fact that the boundary of crescent visibility is different from the International Date Line.

Udhiya (Qurbani)

Qurbani was offered to deities prior to Islam, and should correctly be called Udhiya. Qurbani is a phrase commonly used in the Indian sub-continent and in Iran.

This is the sacrifice as ordained upon Muslims to be given at the time of Eid al-Adha. Every Muslim adult; male and female—as long as they have the means—are required to offer this sacrifice. The rewards are the same and the benefits include feeding the poor. Costs vary between countries, with the cheapest being around $15 US for one part.

The slaughter of a small (domestic) grazing animal like sheep, ram, goat, etc., suffices per person, and a large (domestic) grazing animal, for example, cow, buffalo, camel, etc., suffices for seven people. For many Muslims around the world who live in poverty the only time they are able to eat meat is during the time of Qurbani.

In addition to it being an ordained act Muhammad said that for every hair of a sacrificed animal a person will receive a reward. Traditionally, one third is eaten by the family, one third by friends and one third by the poor. The animals are slaughtered ritually. The throat is cut as Allah name is pronounced, and the blood is then drained from the carcass.

In the Context of the Hajj (pilgrimage)

The route followed during the Hajj, which culminates with Ed al-Adha.

As this festival marks the end of the pilgrimage and it is celebrated world-wide, it enables all Muslims to identify with those who are on pilgrimage. The whole experience of the hajj is closely linked with the memory of Abraham, who instituted the pilgrimage (Q22: 26-27) and also with Ishmael and Hagar. Described as a friend of God, Abraham is a model of the life of faith and obedience: "Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121).

The ritual slaughter of an animal signifies that just as Abraham was willing to sacrifice what he valued above all, so are Muslims. Distributing meat among people is considered an essential part of the festival during this period, as well as chanting Takbir out loud before the Eid prayer on the first day and after prayers throughout the four days of Eid.

In the name of Allah بسم الله
And Allah is the greatest والله أكبر
O Allah, indeed this is from you and for you اللهم إن هذا منك ولك
O Allah accept from me اللهم تقبل مني

Notes

  1. See the account at Q. 37: 101-107. The “son” is not named but counting Ishmael as Abraham’s first son, Muslims associate the intended victim with Ishmael. In Genesis, Isaac is name (Gen. 22).
  2. Ahmed, 38.
  3. Cragg, 110.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Ahmed, Akbar S. Islam Today: A Short Introduction to the Muslim World. London: I. B Tauris, 2002.
  • Cragg, Kenneth. The Call of the Minaret, 3rd. ed. Oxford: Oneworld, 2000. ISBN 1851682104
  • Esposito, John L. Islam: The Straight Path. NY: Oxford University Press, 1998. ISBN 0195112342

External links

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