Eid al-Adha is one of the most joyful occasions in the Islamic calendar, as it takes place in the month of Dhul Hijjah, when millions of Muslims flood to Mecca from all over the world to perform the obligation of Hajj (pilgrimage).
Therefore, Muslims are encouraged to increase their acts of worship, especially fasting on the day of Arafat, on which their sins will be wiped away for the year that is gone and the coming year.
This article will further discuss the blessings of Eid al-Adha and its relevant rituals.
Before Eid al-Adha
There are mainly 3 rituals Muslims should perform prior to Eid al-Adha. In this period comes one of the most blessed days for Muslims, which are the days of Dhul Hijjah, where Muslims perform the Hajj (pilgrimage) obligation.
Increasing good deeds and seeking Allah’s repentance is one of the most recommended acts of worship so that Muslims can gain lots of rewards and reap the spiritual benefits of such blessed days.
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days (Dhul Hijjah)” (Sahih, al-Bukhari).
Feed the Fasting Refugees on the Day of Arafah
Fast the Arafat Day
Fasting the first 9 days of Dhul Hijjah, especially on Arafat Day (before Eid).
Abu Qatadah Al-Ansari (RAA) narrated, ‘The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked about fasting on the day of Arafat (the 9th of the month of Dhul Hijjah).
He replied, “Fasting on the day of Arafat is an expiation for the preceding year and the following year” (Sahih, Muslim).
Prepare your Qurbani
During such a blessed period, Muslims are recommended to perform Udhiyah or Qurban.
Sacrificing livestock animals is an act of worship and Sunnah that Muslims are required to complete if they have the means and financial abilities to do so.
Allah (SWA) said in the Qur’an“ It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him: He has thus made them subject to you, that ye may glorify Allah for His Guidance to you and proclaim the good news to all who do right” (Al-Hajj, 37).
Perform salat al-Eid
Eid al-Adha prayer time usually starts from 15 to 20 minutes after the al-Fajr prayer.
This prayer consists of two Rak’at. During such a prayer, Muslims should make the intention of performing the 2 Rak’at, with additional 6 Takbirs.
Spending time with family
This event is regarded as an auspicious occasion for Muslims to celebrate with their family members and spend quality time with them.
Family members usually visit their relatives and the elders of their family, where they perform some rituals to enjoy this event.
During such an occasion, family members, especially children, wear their new clothes to feel the joyous spirits of this event.
The elders of the family distribute gifts and sweets among the children to put a smile on their faces.
Visiting friends and relatives
Visiting family members and friends is a form of worship that is encouraged in Islam.
Maintaining the ties of kinship during the Eids and all year long is a good deed that has many blessings, such as prolonging the life of those who perform it.
Anas ibn Malik reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Anyone who wants to have his provision expanded and his term of life prolonged should maintain ties of kinship” (Sahih, al-Albani).
Performing Qurbani
Qurbani falls in the 12th month of Dhul Hijjah alongside the celebration of Eid al-Adha, and it is Sunnah to be performed by able-bodied Muslims who have the financial means.
Qurbani means offering, and it is the recognition of the sacrifice that was going to be made by the Prophet Ibrahim, who was going to sacrifice his son, the Prophet Ismail, for the sake of Allah the Almighty.
During such an occasion, Muslims sacrifice livestock animals, and their shares get divided among the poor and the needy in the community.
Donate to refugees and poor people
In order to distribute the shares of your Qurbani, you have to choose a trustworthy and reliable charitable organization.
Such a step is crucial to ensure the fair and just distribution of your Qurbani donations to eligible recipients.
At Bonyan Organization, we make sure to deliver your Qurbani donations to those most in need in the refugee camps.
We recognize the severity of the conditions in refugee communities on the ground; therefore, we know the best approach to distributing such donations among the refugees in desolate areas.
Join our “Feed the Fasting Refugees on the Day of Arafat” campaign to help feed hundreds of thousands of fasting refugees on Arafat Day.
Do not hesitate to send your Qurbani donations to the fasting refugees on this blessed Day to reap the enormous rewards of performing good deeds during the days of Dhul Hijjah.
Feed the Fasting Refugees on the Day of Arafah
References
FAQ
What should I do on Eid al-Adha day?
On Eid al-Adha day, Muslims wear new clothes, perform the Eid prayer, visit their relatives, and exchange gifts.
What are the traditions of Eid al-Adha?
The traditions of Eid al-Adha include performing the Eid prayer, sacrificing Qurbani, and visiting relatives and friends.