Significance of Eid-l-Kabeer Festival -By Abideen Zaynab Dasola

Eid-l-Kabeer is a major festival of the Muslims all over the world, and it is also known as Eid-al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). Eid-al-Adha can also be called Eid al-Qurban. This festival is usually performed on the tenth day in the final (twelfth) month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar; Dhul-Hijjah.

Eid-l-Kabeer is unique and not just celebrated anytime. It is celebrated a day after Arafat day, followed by the completion of the yearly Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj. Hajj is one of the five Pillars of Islam which is an obligation for any Muslim who is fit.

What brought about the festival?

Eid-l-kabeer, according to history, is celebrated to commemorate the command given by Allah to prophet Ibrahim (AS). Prophet Ibrahim, the father of Ismail (AS) had a dream where he offered Prophet Ismail as a sacrifice to Almighty Allah. Being a faithful servant of Allah, Prophet Ibrahim decided fulfilling what happened in his dream. He explained to his son, Ismail on what he dreamt about and Ismail agreed on his father’s decision of carrying out the sacrifice, since it was for Allah.

Hajar, Prophet Ibrahim’s wife and Prophet Ismail’s mother was not really pleased with the decision made because Ismail was their only son whom they have waited a long year before being conceived. Hajar had no option but to obey her husband since the boy was from Allah and was about to be made to Allah Himself as sacrifice. She although, prayed to Allah to shield her son and Allah answered her prayer by sending a ram through an angel to Prophet Ibrahim to use as the sacrifice instead of Prophet Ismail (AS).

How is Eid-l-kabeer Performed?

All Muslims are expected to go to Eid prayer, a very big mosque or an open field in the town, even the menstruating women and the aged. Muslims should not eat before going to Eid and break their fast with the Qurbani’s meat.

I know you readers will be curious about what ‘Qurbani’ means. Briefly, Qurbani means sacrifice. Therefore, it is rewardable for Muslims to break their fast on Eid-l-Kabeer’s day with the Qurbani’s meat.

Muslims should take their ritual bath before going to Eid and dress modestly in their best attires. The best chant recited on Eid-l-Kabeer day is, “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lilllahi l hamd”. Different routes should be followed while going to Eid and when coming back home.

The Eid prayer consists of two Rakats. Muslims should pray behind the Imam and listen to Khutubah after the prayer. Moreso, killing of the ram should be witnessed on Eid ground by everyone present. Eid-l-kabeer lasts for three days (i.e fourth day of the Eid).

Qurbani’s act( sacrifice), also known as Udhiya, is carried out by the slaughtering of an animal to mark the occasion in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice for Allah (SWT). The animal to be sacrificed must be a sheep, goat, lamb, bull, cow or camel. These animals must have attained a certain age so as to be slaughtered in a lawful (Halal) manner.

The Qurbani’s meat should be shared into three portions. The first portion belongs to the person who owns the ram and his family. The second portion belongs to friends and neighbors, while the third portion should be given to the needy.

Virtues of Eid-l-kabeer

Eid-l-kabeer, being a unique festival of Muslims, has so many importance, one of which is helping the needy in the society by showing them sympathy and consolations. Moreso, Eid-l-kabeer reminds us of how Allah usually intervene to turn a situation of hopelessness to that of felicity and hope. Eid-l-kabeer day is used to glorify Allah’s name, demonstrate the remembrance of His grace and favours.

The day also signifies how Muslims wholeheartedly pray to Allah for forgiveness and faith. It also marks the completion of the pilgrimage to the Holy City of Mecca (Hajj). The reunion of all the Muslims in the world is established during the beautiful festival.

Abideen Zaynab Dasola is a 200 level student of English Language, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.