Why Eid Al-Adha Is Celebrated and Its Meaning Explained
Table of Contents
Since the beginning of Islam, rejoicing in acts of obedience has been considered one of the signs of faith. That is why Allah the Almighty says: “And in the bounty of Allah and His mercy — in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate.” (Yunus: 58)
Eid al-Adha comes as the culmination of a journey filled with worship and righteous deeds during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah — including remembrance of Allah, night prayers, fasting, charity, and Takbir — especially on the Day of Arafah, when servants are freed from the Fire, sins are forgiven, and supplications are answered. These are among the clear reasons why Eid Al-Adha is celebrated.
In this article, we will explore why Eid Al-Adha is celebrated, the story behind it, the meaning of Qurban (Udhiya), the spiritual lessons it teaches, and how Muslims celebrate this blessed occasion across the world.
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Why Eid Al-Adha Is Celebrated in Islam
The sacrifice of Eid (Qurban) is considered the most prominent reason for why Eid Al-Adha is celebrated. It is a highly emphasized Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ that instills in the soul the meanings of drawing closer to Allah. The sacrifices are not offered for their own sake, but for what they symbolize:
“Neither their meat nor their blood reaches Allah, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus has He subjected them to you so that you may glorify Allah for guiding you. And give glad tidings to the doers of good.” [Surah Al-Hajj: 37]
It is an act of worship through which we revive the memory of the great story of sacrifice, when Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام fully submitted to Allah’s command and obeyed the order to sacrifice without hesitation, and Prophet Ismail عليه السلام accepted it without objection. Then the ransom came from the heavens as a reward for their pure and sincere obedience.
Story of Prophet Ibrahim Explained
Faith is not merely a word to be spoken; rather, it is a reality that carries responsibilities and a trust that comes with burdens requiring patience and effort like in Hajj , through which one’s sincerity with Allah becomes evident. Allah tested our master Ibrahim with a tremendous trial. He was commanded to sacrifice his son Ismail with his own hands — his beloved child and the delight of his heart. This is the reason why Eid Al-Adha is celebrated.
Prophet Ibrahim had grown old without having a child of his own. He had migrated from one land to another in obedience to Allah, and then, in his old age, he was blessed with a son whom he had long hoped and prayed for.
This son was no ordinary child; Allah Himself described him as a forbearing boy. Hardly had Ibrahim begun to enjoy his companionship and share life with him when he saw in a dream that he was sacrificing him, and he understood that it was a command from his Lord calling him to make this sacrifice.
He did not object, nor did he ask, “Why, my Lord, should I sacrifice my only son?” Instead, he went to his son and told him about the vision. The son rose to the same level of faith and submission as his father and surrendered himself willingly to the command of Allah with contentment and certainty:
“He said, ‘O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, among the patient.’”
It was immense righteousness, greater divine guidance, firm faith, and hearts fully content with what Allah had decreed.
Then came the greatest enemy of mankind — Satan — who sought to corrupt the obedience of both father and son and prevent the worship of Allah from being fulfilled on earth.
As soon as Ibrahim and his son Ismail left their home heading toward the place of sacrifice, Satan began whispering to Ibrahim, saying, “What are you about to do to your only son? How can you sacrifice him when you are an old man who needs him?”
Then Satan went to Hajar, the mother of Ismail, and asked her, “Do you know where Ibrahim has taken your son?” She replied, “He took him for some need.” Satan said, “He has taken him to slaughter him.” Hajar asked, “And why would he slaughter him?” Satan replied, “He claims that Allah commanded him to do so.” Hajar responded with complete faith, “Get away from me. If Allah has commanded it, then His command must be obeyed.”
Defeated and humiliated, Satan left her and hurried to catch up with Ibrahim and his son. When Ibrahim did not listen to him either, Satan turned to Ismail, but Ismail gave the same answer: “If Allah has commanded him to do this, then let him carry out what Allah wills.”
Satan then tried to block their path to the place of sacrifice. He confronted Ibrahim near the largest Jamarah in Mina, but Ibrahim picked up seven pebbles and stoned Satan. Yet Satan continued his attempts, so Ibrahim and Ismail stoned him again to drive him away before continuing their journey.
Then Ibrahim laid his son down on his side and tied him gently. He took the knife, and Ismail said, “O my father, place me face down, for if you look at my face, mercy may overcome you and prevent you from carrying out Allah’s command.” Ibrahim did as he requested and placed the knife upon his neck, but the blade would not cut.
At that moment, Ibrahim was overcome with distress and turned to Allah, asking Him to make a way out. Allah, in His mercy, answered his supplication, relieved his hardship, and the great call came:
“And We called out to him, ‘O Ibrahim, you have fulfilled the vision.’ Indeed, this is how We reward the doers of good. Surely this was the clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.” [Surah As-Saffat: 104–107]
Allah redeemed Prophet Ismail and sent down from heaven a magnificent ram for Ibrahim to sacrifice instead. From that moment, the tradition of sacrifice during Eid al-Adha and throwing stones during hajj were established in remembrance of this tremendous event.
Meaning Behind Qurban
Qurban (the sacrificial offering) refers to the livestock that is slaughtered from the Day of Eid al-Adha until the end of the Days of Tashreeq as an act of drawing closer to Allah Almighty.
The wisdom behind its legislation includes:
- Expressing gratitude to Allah Almighty for the blessing of life.
- Reviving the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim Al-Khalil عليه السلام, when Allah commanded him to offer a ransom sacrifice in place of his son Ismail عليه السلام on the Day of Sacrifice.
- It serves as a means of bringing ease and happiness to oneself and one’s family, honoring neighbors and guests, and giving charity to the poor. All of these are manifestations of joy and gratitude for the blessings Allah has bestowed upon humanity, and a way of speaking about Allah’s favors, as He says: “And proclaim the blessings of your Lord.” [Surah Ad-Duha: 11]
- The act of sacrifice is also a profound affirmation of belief in what Allah Almighty has informed us of — that He created livestock for the benefit of mankind and permitted their slaughter so they may serve as nourishment for people.
How Muslims Celebrate Eid Al-Adha
Eids in Islam are acts of devotion that come after acts of devotion. That helps explain further why Eid Al-Adha is celebrated with happiness and devotion.
Eid al-Fitr is connected to the month of Ramadan, the month in which the Qur’an was revealed and in which Muslims fast. And Eid al-Adha is connected to the obligation of Hajj, a season that concludes with remembrance of Allah and the recitation of Takbir.
The manifestations of celebration during Eid al-Adha include:
- Performing the Eid Prayer
- Reciting Takbir
- Offering Qurban (Udhiya)
- Visiting Relatives and Friends
- Helping the Poor
- Wearing Clean and Beautiful Clothing
It was from the guidance of the Prophet ﷺ that he would wear his finest clothes, display cheerfulness and joy, encourage generosity toward one’s family, and go out to perform the Eid prayer in the prayer ground. He also instructed everyone to attend, including women and children, so that Eid would become a collective occasion reminding the الأمة of its unity and breaking the monotony of daily life.
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Conclusion
Understanding why Eid Al-Adha is celebrated reveals the profound spiritual values at the heart of Islam. The occasion honors the obedience and faith of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail, while reminding Muslims about sacrifice, sincerity, patience, and trust in Allah.
During Eid al-Adha, families gather together, hearts are reconciled, and disputes are forgotten. Eid is not only about new clothes or sweets; rather, it is an opportunity to maintain family ties, visit neighbors, and bring joy to both the young and the old.
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FAQs
Why Eid Al-Adha is celebrated by Muslims?
Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Adha to commemorate the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim عليه السلام when he was willing to sacrifice his son for Allah’s sake. Allah replaced the son with a ram, making the event a symbol of faith and devotion.
Why Eid Al-Adha is celebrated with animal sacrifice?
The sacrifice represents the Qurban (Udhiya) performed in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s test.
Is Qurban compulsory for every Muslim?
Qurban is required for financially able Muslims. Those who cannot afford it are not sinful for missing it.
