Eid Al Adha: A time for giving, forgiving

On Eid Al Adha, Muslims remember the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim

Dubai: Eid Al Adha, which will be marked tomorrow, is not just an opportunity to celebrate, but also a valuable lesson in sacrifice for Muslims around the globe. According to scholars, the Greater Eid is the opportunity to give and forgive and reminisce about the story of the great sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) several centuries ago, when he surrendered to the will of Allah and offered to sacrifice his son Ismael (Peace be upon him).

Muslims greet each other after Eid prayers at Shaikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi, last year. — KT file

Mohammed Al Arabi, Imam of Diyar Mosque, said Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) was committed to Allah’s command, which later proved to be only a test. “He showed that his love for his Lord superseded everything else.”

In return, Allah gifted him a male sheep to sacrifice, and that action has become a ritual for all Muslims to emulate on the occasion. Its meat is to be equally distributed among family, friends and the poor.

Sheikh Asaadullah, Imam of Fatima Al Yamani Mosque, said Muslims are advised to follow certain steps to celebrate the festival: Get up early, get showered and wear neat clothes, preferably white. “They should head to the Musallah along with their family members to offer the special Eid prayers.”

Muslims can share the joy of Eid in the three days of the feast by being more tolerant, forgiving and distributing the meat of the sacrificed animal, according to Egyptian resident Umm Maria.

Family and friends time

Abu Khalid, a Syrian resident, said Eid is the time for special food to be shared between friends and family. “Friends and relatives are invited, gifts are exchanged, houses are adorned with lights and decorations, and visitors throng the parks here (on the occasion).”

Mahmoud Marei, Imam of Al Tawheed Mosque, said Eid Al Adha is a time for joy and celebrations in all nations and cultures. “However, the celebrations are interrelated with worship in Islam and are meant to develop and achieve piety, and make Muslims closer to God Almighty.”

Sheikh Hussain Mandoor, a scholar, said Muslims should recite the Takbeer — Allahu Akbar (Allah is the greatest) — while driving or going to the Musallah to offer the Eid prayers. “The joyous occasion is attached to religion, or more specifically the Haj — the fifth pillar of Islam. Eid Al Fitr on the other hand marks the end of fasting in Ramadan.”

Celebrating in a disciplined manner is allowed in Islam to break the monotonous routine of daily life, Sheikh Mohammed Helmi said.

“As such, fasting on this day is forbidden, and Muslims are highly advised to show mercy to others, give charity, be more tolerant and patient, and exchange visits,” he added.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE