Every religion has got its own rituals and celebrations which identify its roots and define its essence. These celebrations hold high significance within the religion and somewhat briefs what its message is all about. Eid ul-Adha is one of the two major islamic festivals celebrated by muslims worldwide. It emphasizes Prophet Ibrahim’s great act of devotion and loyalty to Allah via his sacrifice and submission. It likewise has a lot of significance in Islam and represents morality and high ideals for Muslims in particular and all people in general. In this brief article we will try to break down the main aspects that explain the history, significance, outcomes, morals and lessons that stem from this great festival.

History of Prophet Ibrahim

Prophet Ibrahim is a most well-known figure and a messenger and prophet of very high status. He is also a common ancestor of three dominant monotheistic religions—Islam, Judaism, and Christianity—which are termed as Abrahamic religions or people of the scripture. In Islam particularly, he holds a very high status and is known for his obedience and trials from Allah. Allah Himself refers to him as Khalil-ullah (Friend of Allah). Describing this great Prophet Allah says in the Quran,

And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice, And We left for him [favourable mention] among later generations: “Peace upon Abraham.” Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, he was of Our believing servants. — Qur’an 37:107-111

History of Eid ul-Adha

One of the most powerful accounts (anecdotes) of faith and submission in islam is the sacrifice of prophet Ibrahim that he made of his son in due of his submission to the commandment of Allah. mentioning this great trial towards his great prophet and servant when he expressed his longing for a righteous son, Allah describes in Surah as-Saffat,

My Lord, grant me [a child] from among the righteous. — Qur’an 37:100

Allah answered his prayer, he says;

So We gave him good tidings of a forbearing boy. — Qur’an 37:101

when this gift of Allah towards Ibrahim, i.e. Ismail reached an age of maturity, Allah demanded a sacrifice from Ibrahim seeking his submission and obedience through a dream. Since dreams of Prophets are considered revelations, Ibrahim knew it to be a divine command. Describing this Allah says;

And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, “O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.” He said, “O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allāh wills, of the steadfast.” — Qur’an 37:102

As both father and son submitted to Allah’s will, and Ibrahim was about to carry out the sacrifice:

And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him, “O Abraham, You have fulfilled the vision.” Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was the clear trial. — Qur’an 37:103-106

Allah, in his mercy, spared Ismail and sent a ram in his place,

And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice. — Qur’an 37:107

and due to his sincerity and obedience Allah praised Ibrahim;

and We left for him [favourable mention] among later generations: “Peace upon Abraham.” Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, he was of Our believing servants. — Qur’an 37:108-111

Significance of Eid ul-Adha

Eid ul-Adha is more than a festival. It is a reflection of spiritual values and communal harmony. It reminds that true devotion comes from the heart and not from the ritual alone. the Quran highlights this in Surah al Hajj;

Their meat will not reach Allāh, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. — Qur’an 22:37

The significance this great festival holds are many. A few, to mention are:

  1. Obedience to Allah: It reminds a person the importance of submitting to the will of Allah.
  2. Sacrifice and Charity: Sharing the meat with those in need reflects the islamic principles of generosity and compassion.
  3. Unity: Celebrated globally, it unites the people in their beliefs and practices.
  4. Commemoration of Hajj: It aligns with the commencement of Hajj, reinforcing the spiritual connection with the holy pilgrimage.

How is Eid ul-Adha celebrated

Eid ul-Adha is also known as ‘yawm an nahr’ (the day of sacrifice) which falls on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah which is the last month of the islamic calendar. It falls on this this day following the completion of Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage to Makkah where in the pilgrims after completing a major part this pilgrimage set on to offer their sacrifice commemorating the the obedience of prophet Ibrahim. The day of Eid is celebrated with a few deeds and actions that part to its completion. some of them are as follows;

  1. Eid prayer: The day of Eid begins with a special congregational prayer which is held on the morning of the tenth of Dhul Hijjah
  2. Khutbah (sermon): it emphasises the importance of obedience , sacrifice and social unity.
  3. Animal Sacrifice: It is performed after the eid prayer. Allah says; “And for every [religious] community We have appointed a rite [of sacrifice] that they may mention the name of Allāh over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. For your god is one God, so to Him submit. And, [O Muḥammad], give good tidings to the humble [before their Lord]” — Qur’an 22:34
  4. Charity and Sharing: the meat or meal is shared with the needy, neighbours, family and relatives. Allah mentions in the Quran; “and when they are [lifeless] on their sides, then eat from them and feed the needy [who does not seek aid] and the beggar. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may be grateful.” (— Qur’an 22:36) and in another Allah mentions; “that they may witness [i.e., attend] benefits for themselves and mention the name of Allāh on known [i.e., specific] days over what He has provided for them of [sacrificial] animals. So eat of them and feed the miserable and poor. (— Qur’an 22:28)
  5. Festive Environment and Family Gatherings: People wear their best clothes, visit relatives, friends and neighbours and share festive it is also a time of reflection gratitude and spritual renewal.

Morals and Lessons from Eid ul-Adha

Eid ul-Adha is a deeply spiritual occasion and leaves many morals and objectives for the people to reflect and ponder. In a world full pf challenges, its message of devotion, unity and compassion inspires, in specific muslims, and in general the entire humanity and enriches lives across communities. A few important lessons that it teaches, to mention are:

  1. Faith and Trust in Allah: Like prophet Ibrahim, believers are reminded to have unshakable faith even in difficult times.
  2. Selflessness: True sacrifice lies not only in giving up something valuable but doing so for a greater and noble cause.
  3. Helping others: The festival encourages empathy and support for the unprivileged.

The sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim is not just a historical event, it is a timeless lesson in absolute faith, unwavering obedience, and sincere submission to Allah’s will. Through his willingness to give up what he loved most, prophet Ibrahim demonstrated that true devotion requires placing your Lord above all worldly attachments.

This story reminds us that every believer will face tests, and the essence of faith lies in trusting Allah even when the path is difficult. As Muslims around the world commemorate this act through Udhiyah (Qurbani), we are called to reflect: What are we willing to sacrifice for our Creator? Are we ready to submit our will to His, as Ibrahim did?

By living these values in our daily lives, humility, sacrifice, trust, and compassion, we honour not just the rituals of Eid ul-Adha, but the very spirit behind it.