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EID UL ADHA

A `Eid is any day of gathering. It is derived from `Aada (meaning returned), because people return to it periodically. Some scholars say that it derives from `Aadah (custom or practice) because people are accustomed to celebrating it. Its plural is A`yaad. Ibn ul-`Araabee said: "It is called `Eed because it returns every year with renewed happiness.” Lisaan ul-`Arab

Ibn Abidayn said: “The Eid days are thus named because Allah renews His Bounties in them; and He distributes His blessings to His worshipers. From these are Fitr (eating), after food had been prohibited and Sadaqaat al-Fitr (the charity of breaking the fast) to the needy. And on Eid al-Adha, the completion of Hajj with the final Tawaaf of visiting; the meat from sacrifices and many other acts. Also because the custom in Eid is joy, happiness, cheerfulness and gladness.” [Hashiyah Ibn Abidayn (2/165)] ^[1]

Table of Contents
Importance and Significance Hadith The Sunnah of Eid Eid Greetings References

Importance and Significance

Eid Al-Adha basically means, 'the festival of sacrifice in Islam'. On this day, Muslims are reminded about that great trial, which Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him) or Prophet Abraham (Peace be upon Him) was put to, of sacrificing his young son Prophet Ismail (Peace be upon Him) or Prophet Ishmael (Peace be upon Him). Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him) complied to the command of Allah (Glory be to Him) and fully succeeded in it as mentioned in the Qur’an.Surah Saaffat 37:102 -107. ^[2]

The Qur'an describes Abraham (Peace be upon Him) as follows: "Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." Qur’an.Surah Nahl 16:120-121. [3]

Hadith

Eid al-Adhaa is the tenth day of Dhoo’l-Hijjah, the last (twelfth) month of the Hijri or Islamic calendar. It is, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The greatest day in the sight of Allaah, may He be blessed and exalted, the Day of Sacrifice . . .” (Reported by Abu Dawud; see also Saheeh al-Jaami‘, 1064). ^[4]

Anas (R) said: “The Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honor Him and grant Him peace) came to Madeenah and the people of Madeenah had in Jahiliyah two days of play and amusement (they are the day of Niarooz (New Years Day) and the day of Maharajaan (Final Day of the Year). So, The Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honor Him and grant Him peace) said: "I came to you and you had in Jahiliyah two days of play and amusement. Indeed, Allah has replaced them for you by that which is better than them: The day of Nahr (slaughtering) and the day of Fitr (breaking fast)." Musnad Ahmad Vol 3: 103, 178 and 235. ^[5]

The Sunnah of Eid

Wake up early.
Take Gusl (ceremonial bath).
Dress up, putting on best clothes available, whether new or cleaned old ones.
Use perfume (men only).
Have breakfast on Eid-al-Fitr before leaving for prayer ground. On Eid-al-Adha, eat breakfast after Salaat or after sacrifice if you are doing a sacrifice.
Pay Zakaat-al-Fitr before Salaat-al-Eid (on Eid-al-Fitr).
Go to prayer ground early.
Offer Salaat-al-Eid in congregation in an open place except when whether is not permitting like rain, snow, etc.
Use two separate routes to and from the prayer ground.
Recite the following Takbir on the way to Salaat and until the beginning of Salaat-al-Eid. On Eid-al-Adha, Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. La ila-ha ill-lal-lah. Allahu-Akbar, Allaho-Akbar. Wa-lilahill hamd. (Allah is greater, Allah is greater. There is no god but Allah. Allah is greater, Allah is greater. And all praises are for Allah). [6]

Eid Greetings

Jubayr Bin Nufayr said:

"When the companions of Allaah's Messenger(S) met on the day of Eed, they would say to each other, 'Taqabbala 'llaahu minnaa wa mink (may Allaah accept from us and you.)' "

Al-Mahaamiliyyaat with a hasan chain according to Ibn Hajar; see Fath ul-Baaree 2:446

And Muhammad Bin Ziyaad said:

"I was with Abu Umaamah al-Baahilee (R) and some other companions of the Prophet (S). When they returned from the Eed, they said to each other, 'Taqabbala 'llaahu minnaa wa mink.' "

Ibn Qudaamah in al-Mughnee 2:259; Ahmad said that this has a good chain. ^[7]