The Sunnahs of Eid al-Adha: Reviving Traditions Rooted in Faith

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, holds significant religious and cultural importance in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the devotion and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to Allah's command to sacrifice his beloved son, Prophet Ismail (Ishmael).

Muslims from all over the world who are living in Japan also celebrate Eid al-Adha with much joy, happiness, and events. All the mosques hold Eid prayers, there are food festivals, and people visit friends and family, and eat good food together.

This joyous occasion brings together Muslims from all corners of the world, celebrating faith, unity, and compassion. In this blog, we will explore the sunnah (traditions) of Eid al-Adha, drawing from the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith, and understanding their relevance in our lives today.

1. The Act of Sacrifice
At the heart of Eid al-Adha lies the tradition of sacrifice, symbolizing Prophet Ibrahim's unwavering commitment to Allah. The Quran recounts this remarkable story in Surah As-Saffat (37:100-107). Muslims who possess the means are encouraged to offer a sacrificial animal, typically a sheep, goat, cow, or camel, on the day of Eid. This act of sacrifice signifies submission to Allah's will and the readiness to give up worldly attachments in favor of spiritual devotion.

2. The Spirit of Generosity
Eid al-Adha is a time of sharing and caring for others. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of generosity during this festive period. Muslims are encouraged to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate, ensuring they are also able to partake in the joy of Eid. This spirit of giving aligns with the principles of zakat (obligatory charity) and sadaqah (voluntary charity), as mentioned in various verses of the Quran (2:177, 9:103, 76:8-9).

3. Attending the Eid Prayer
One of the most significant sunnah of Eid al-Adha is attending the congregational Eid prayer. Muslims gather in mosques, prayer grounds, or designated areas to offer the special prayer known as Salat al-Eid. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself regularly attended this prayer, encouraging all Muslims, including women and children, to participate. The prayer consists of two rak'ahs (units) and is performed in congregation, followed by a sermon reminding believers of their responsibilities towards their faith, family, and society.

4. Dressing in One's Best Attire
Eid al-Adha is a celebration of faith, unity, and joy, and dressing in one's best attire is a sunnah associated with this auspicious day. It is recommended to wear clean, modest, and elegant clothes, demonstrating respect and reverence for the occasion. Adorning oneself with traditional Islamic clothing, such as the Jubba (long robe) for men and the hijab or abaya for women, further adds to the festive atmosphere.

5. Spreading Greetings and Expressing Gratitude
Eid al-Adha is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community. It is customary to exchange heartfelt greetings of "Eid Mubarak" or "Blessed Eid" as a way of acknowledging the significance of the occasion and spreading joy. Muslims are also encouraged to express gratitude to Allah for the blessings bestowed upon them and to foster a sense of thankfulness throughout the day.

Eid al-Adha is a time of immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide, where the sunnah associated with this joyous festival offer guidance and brings people closer to their faith. By embracing the act of sacrifice, demonstrating generosity, attending the Eid prayer, dressing in one's best attire, and spreading greetings and gratitude