New Delhi, June 7– As Muslims around the globe prepare to celebrate Eid ul-Adha, the second of Islam’s two major religious festivals, the day is steeped in profound spiritual and historical significance. The “Festival of Sacrifice,” as it is often called, commemorates the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim in Islamic tradition), who is venerated by Muslims, Christians, and Jews alike.
Eid ul-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. Central to the celebration is the story of Abraham’s divine test — a trial that is recognized across the three Abrahamic faiths but occupies a particularly central role in Islam’s narrative of faith and surrender to God.
According to Islamic belief, Prophet Abraham was commanded by God in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (Ishmael). Though the command was emotionally harrowing, Abraham prepared to carry it out, demonstrating absolute submission to God’s will. At the very moment he moved to fulfill the command, God intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram, signaling that Abraham’s faith had been accepted.
Muslims re-enact this act of devotion each year by offering a symbolic animal sacrifice, usually a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. The ritual is not merely symbolic, but deeply ethical: the meat of the sacrificed animal must be divided into three parts — one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the poor and needy. This practice underlines Islam’s emphasis on charity, community, and social equity.
“Eid ul-Adha teaches us about the values of faith, sacrifice, and caring for others,” said Maulana Saifuddin Qasmi, a cleric at a mosque in Delhi. “The act of qurbani (sacrifice) is not about the blood or the meat — it is about fulfilling a moral duty to share God’s blessings with those in need.”
In cities, towns, and villages across the Muslim world, preparations for Eid begin days in advance, with special markets for sacrificial animals bustling with activity. On the morning of Eid, Muslims gather in large congregational prayers at mosques and open grounds. The sermon following the prayers often revisits Abraham’s story, reminding worshippers of the values of loyalty, trust in God, and compassion for the less fortunate.
The celebration also intersects with one of Islam’s Five Pillars — the Hajj. Every year, millions of Muslims gather in Mecca for the pilgrimage, retracing the steps of Abraham, his wife Hajar, and his son Ismail. The rites of Hajj, including the symbolic stoning of the devil at Mina and the sacrifice at Eid, closely echo episodes from Abraham’s life, reinforcing his place at the heart of Islamic tradition.
Yet Abraham’s influence is not confined to Islam. In Christianity, he is regarded as the father of faith, whose covenant with God laid the foundations for the people of Israel. The Bible recounts a similar story involving the near-sacrifice of Isaac (considered Ismail’s half-brother in Islamic tradition), underscoring Abraham’s deep spiritual role. In Judaism, Abraham is the founding patriarch, revered as the first to reject idolatry and embrace monotheism.
“The legacy of Abraham is a shared heritage,” noted Dr. Mariam Khan, a scholar of interfaith studies. “His life story — and the principles it represents — is a point of spiritual convergence for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Eid ul-Adha is a powerful reminder of that unity.”
Beyond the spiritual, the day is marked by family gatherings, feasts, and acts of charity. In many communities, efforts are made to ensure that no one goes without food. Local mosques and charitable organizations coordinate with families to distribute meat to underprivileged households. For many poor families, Eid ul-Adha is one of the few times in the year when meat is available.
Eid ul-Adha also encourages self-reflection. Muslims are urged to consider their willingness to part with material comforts and assess their own dedication to their faith. “It’s not just about sacrificing an animal,” said Mohammad Irfan, a school teacher in Lucknow. “It’s about asking yourself: what are you willing to sacrifice in your own life for the greater good?”
This year’s celebrations come amid continued calls for compassion and unity, especially in regions facing conflict and poverty. Religious leaders have urged Muslims to use the festival as an opportunity to foster solidarity, serve humanity, and reinforce the spirit of mercy that lies at the core of Abraham’s example.
In essence, Eid ul-Adha is more than a ritual—it is a living tradition that brings together faith, family, and philanthropy. Rooted in a story revered across religions, the festival remains one of the most significant expressions of devotion and community in the Islamic world.
