by Sarah Ganly

Created on: November 17, 2009   Last Updated: November 23, 2009

Eid-ul-Adha is a Muslim holiday that occurs the day after Hajj has ended; this holiday is also known as the Feast of the Sacrifice, Tobaski Day, Eid el-Kibr , and Baqr-e-Eid. This Muslim tradition is celebrated for either three or four days, and it includes prayers, sacrifices, feasts, and gift giving. Many people buy new clothes and clean their homes as this holiday is also a great community gatherings and visiting with friends and family. Many Muslims celebrate this holiday every year on the 10th day of the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and the main reason for celebrating Eid-ul-Adha is to show praise, love, and devotion to Allah.

According to the Qur'an, God commanded Abraham to kill his son Ishmael. This was a tough and heartbreaking task for Abraham, but Abraham had complete faith and devotion to God's will. The devil tempted Abraham to disobey God in this hurtful task, but Abraham showed his trust and love for God by consenting to sacrifice his son. As Abraham held his weapon above Ishmael's held and brought it down to end his son's life God proved Abrahams faith true and turned the sacrifice into a lamb instead. This miracle and Abraham's show of willingness to do God's are the reason Eid-ul-Adha is celebrated around the world.

Eid-ul-Adha is a Muslim holiday that allows the Islamic people to show their devotion to Allah through sacrifice. In remembrance of Abraham's sacrifice the Muslim people sacrifice animals such as goats, cows, lambs, sheep, and chickens. This is a way of showing God that they are thankful of his gifts; it is also a way of showing piety and generosity because the meat of these animals is mainly given to the poor and needy.

There are many ways that Muslims show their devotion and appreciation of Allah during Eid-ul-Adha. Prayers are offered during this holiday in the form of a congregational prayer known as salah, and a sermon known as khutbah. The act of throwing stones at three pillars that represent the devil is another practice during this holiday. Reciting the Takbeer is another way that Muslims honor God with their piety. These forms of worship are another way Muslims honor and show appreciation to Allah during this holiday because the purpose of this holiday is to honor God with your devotion.

Eid-ul-Adha is a celebration that lasts several days, and during these days Muslims honor God by completing many rituals such as sacrifice, prayer, and chanting. This great holiday is a celebration that reminds Muslims to act as Abraham and give all for Allah.

Learn more about this author, Sarah Ganly.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.