Al-Adhā Feast (the Feast of Sacrifice)
On Monday, the 17th of June 2024 A.D. (the 10th of Dhū al-Hijjah 1445 A.H.)
Eid al-Adhā (Arabic: عید الأضحی) (the feast of sacrifice) is one of the most important Islamic festivals celebrated by Muslims at the end of the Hajj to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Abraham to follow Allah's command to sacrifice his son Ishmael to demonstrate his devotion to the Almighty.
Ignoring the advice of the Devil who tried to tempt Ibrahim into disobeying Allah by saying he should spare Ishmael; Abraham's main trials was to face the command of Allah to slaughter his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah's will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled and gave him a lamb to kill instead. Also, the story is told in similar fashion in the Jewish Torah and Christian Old Testament where Allah asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. However, the story is designed to demonstrate how Abraham's devotion passed even the sternest test.
Muslims all over the world sacrifice an animal during this day. In fact, the feast re-enacts Abraham's obedience by sacrificing a cow or ram. The meat of sacrificed animal, mostly is given away to others: immediate family and relatives, friends, and poor people. The act symbolizes one's willingness to give up, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. It is recognized that all blessings come from Allah, and it should open the hearts and share with others.
