Eid ul Adha falls on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah, which is the last month of the Islamic year and is performed after the completion of the Hajj or the Pilgrimage. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is performed annually in the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
A brief background of events that took place in Islamic history can explain the significance of Eid ul Adha to Muslims around the world. God tested the strength of Prophet Abraham's faith when he was asked to sacrifice his beloved son Ishmael to Him. As Abraham prepared to perform the sacrifice, he found that God had replaced a ram in the place of Ishmael. It is to signify and remember the ultimate sacrifice that Prophet Abraham was prepared to make for God that Muslims through out the world sacrifice domestic animals like sheep, goats, cows and even camels on Eid ul Adha. This Eid is therefore called "the celebration of sacrifice" or the "bigger Eid" and celebrations can last for over three days in some Muslim countries.
It is In the city of Mina, near Mecca that pilgrims perform the sacrifice, as it is here that Abraham is believed to have prepared for the sacrifice of his son. Eid prayers are offered in mosques around the world and people dress in their finest clothes to mark the occasion. Sacrifice is offered according to the financial ability of each family and those who cannot afford it can offer charity instead. In most Western countries, sacrifices are performed in special slaughterhouses but in Muslim countries, animals can be slaughtered at home. There is a special prayer that is recited at the time of the sacrifice to signify that the sacrifice is "halal" and has been done in the name of God.
The primary significance of the sacrifice or the "qurbani" as it is called is the obedience of a Muslim to God to use resources available to him and make a difference in the life of another needy human being. This is why two thirds of the meat from the sacrifice is distributed among family, friends and the needy whilst only one third of the meat can be used for a person's own requirements.
For Abraham, the main reason behind the sacrifice was giving up one of the most important and beloved things he had in his possession to God. At the time of Eid ul Adha, this should not be forgotten and charity should be given freely to those in need. For people who cannot afford to pay for the sacrifice, an affordable sum of money can be given to the needy to help them buy necessities they need in order to survive.
The intention of the person who is offering the sacrifice is also very important and it should reflect in the good feelings towards his fellow human beings in order for the sacrifice to have any meaning. As Allah says so clearly in the Quran, "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37). The coming together of the community to pray together and share their food with their fellow human beings, especially the needy, makes this festival special to all Muslims.
On Eid ul Adha, there is an air of happiness and good feelings as people share good wishes and exchange greeting cards between family and friends to wish them peace and happiness during this time. They also look forward to seeing their friends and family members return home after completing the Pilgrimage.
Before embarking on the pilgrimage Muslims make peace, ask forgiveness, and clear their debts with those around them. This cleanliness and purity of spirit is even more heightened for the pilgrims who have completed the Pilgrimage, it is as if they have been reborn again, washed off their sins and this makes the celebration of Eid-ul Adha take on an even more joyous and spiritual significance for Muslims everywhere.