The Feast of the Sacrifice marks the end of the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca.
On September 1, 2017, Muslims will celebrate one of the main Islamic holidays Kurban Bayram (Arabic name - Eid al-Adha) or the feast of sacrifice, dedicated to the end of the Hajj - the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Every year, the holiday of Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the seventieth day after the holiday of Uraza-Bayram, that is, on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Zul-Hijja. Thus, in 2017, this holiday falls on September 1st.
The Feast of Sacrifice goes back to the story of the trial of the Prophet Ibrahim with a sacrifice in honor of Allah. According to the Qur'an, Jabail, an angel, appeared to Ibrahim and conveyed from Allah the command to sacrifice his son (the first word of Allah). Being pious, Ibrahim obeyed the command of the Almighty and began to prepare for the sacrifice of his son Ismail. Ismail, having learned about his fate, also did not resist, because he was obedient to both his father and God. However, at the last moment, when the sacrificial dagger was already brought in, Allah made it so that the son of Ibrahim was not stabbed. Subsequently, instead of him, a ram was sent to the slaughter. Ibrahim was blessed because his faith passed the test.
Celebrating the day of sacrifice, even if it does not happen in Mecca, starts early in the morning. At a little light, Muslims go to the mosque for morning prayers, but before that it is necessary to perform a full ablution, put on new and neat clothes, and, if possible, anoint themselves with incense. It is not recommended to eat before prayer.
On this holiday, Muslims perform ablution and dress up in holiday clothes It is especially important that the outfits are in light colors. Therefore, you do not need to wear dark clothes.
At the end of the morning prayer (prayer), the believers return home, and then, if desired, gather in groups on the street or in the yards, where they sing praises to Allah (takbir) in chorus. Then they again go to the mosque or to a specially designated area, where the mullah or imam-khatib delivers a sermon.
On this Muslim holiday, it is considered obligatory to sacrifice to Allah a young lamb, a cow or a camel up to a year old, without external defects and without offspring. The sacrifice is divided into three parts: the owner of the house keeps the first, donates the second to the community, and distributes the third to the poor on the street. If after the feast a part of the sacrificial animal was not eaten, then the next day it cannot be eaten. The skins of the killed animals are given to the temple.
Recall that in Muslim countries Eid al-Adha is a holiday, and in some countries Eid al-Adha is celebrated for three days.
Sacrifices. This is a very significant day in the life of any Muslim. In Arabic, it is also called Eid al-adha. It is celebrated strictly on the 10th day of the twelfth month in Muslim lunar calendar(dhul-hijah).
The essence of the holiday
Is it possible to work in Eid al-Adha? It all depends on certain circumstances, but work these days is not welcome. This holiday is part of the Hajj rites. The bottom line is the annual pilgrimage of Muslims around the world on the next three days after Eid al-Adha, Muslims are also festive.
history of the holiday
The history of Eid al-Adha is very interesting. In the main role there He became known not only among Muslims, but also among Christians. Ibrahim was distinguished by a very strong obedience to Allah. Once an angel came to him in a dream and said that he needed to sacrifice to Allah in the form of his eldest son. The dream was repeated more than once. After some time, the prophet obeyed the will of Allah. When he, along with his son, went to the place where it was planned to carry out the sacrifice, the shaitan came across on their way three times. Shaitan tried repeatedly to dissuade him from making a sacrifice, but Ibrahim's obedience was only to Allah alone. This forced him to go further with his son, throwing stones at the shaitan along the way. Having reached the place, the father brought a knife to his son's throat, but the knife did not cut. At that moment, Ibrahim heard a voice that said that he had proved the strength of his faith. After that, a ram appeared before the prophet, and he sacrificed it.
This act of the prophet became symbolic, it proves his sincere love for Allah. From that moment on, it became customary for all Muslims to sacrifice an animal, most often a ram, as proof of their faith. Any Muslim asks the question: is it possible to work in Eid al-Adha? The history of this holiday shows that this is a holiday of “sacrifice”, and one must prepare for it carefully and in advance. It is about the spiritual cleansing of the believer, keeping fasting and doing good deeds. To the question: “Is it possible to work in Eid al-Adha?”, The answer is obvious - undesirable. Muslims revere this holiday very much, so they try to leave all their affairs for this period of time.
How to prepare for the holiday?
For obvious reasons, not all Muslims can make the Hajj to Mecca. You can make a sacrifice and take part in the main Muslim holiday anywhere, it is not necessary to go to Mecca to perform the traditional ceremony.
Is it possible to work in Eid al-Adha for people who do not have the opportunity to miss the service? It is not forbidden, but it is important to try to observe all the prescribed traditions. Ten days before Eid al-Adha, it is advisable to observe a strict fast, and three days before it is necessary to give up fun, celebrations, shopping, and it is also forbidden to have a haircut. About a week before the holiday, the most active preparations begin. Particular attention is paid to the preparation of products for the feast. During the day it is customary to bake ritual loaves.
On the eve of Eid al-Adha, believers loudly read praise to Allah at home, on the streets, squares, mosques. It is customary for women to read to themselves, for men aloud and loudly. It is customary to read this prayer after every prayer.
Eid al-Adha
In any Muslim from the early morning begins to traditionally prepare for it. Is it possible for a believer to work in Eid al-Adha? This is very undesirable, because the traditions of this holiday paint the whole day from early morning until evening. Any Muslim needs to get up early and put himself in order (cut his nails, hair, swim, anoint his body with incense and put on new clothes). It is forbidden to eat breakfast before the Eid prayer. After putting themselves in order, Muslims go to the mosque for morning prayers. Then the holiday prayer ends, and after dinner everyone goes home.
If desired, believers can gather in groups in courtyards or on the street in order to sing praises to Allah in unison. After that, people again go to the mosque, where the mullah will deliver a sermon. Otherwise, the sermon is called khutba, it usually begins with the glorification of Allah, as well as his prophet, after which there is an explanation of the origin of the hajj and the meaning of the rite of sacrifice itself. After the sermon is over, it is customary to go to the cemetery to pray for the departed. Upon returning from the cemetery, it is time for the sacrificial rite.
The essence of the rite of sacrifice
Muslims believe that animals that are sacrificed in the name of Allah will help people cross the abyss in hell to heaven on the Day of Judgment. To do this, you will need to overcome the bridge (Sirat) on the backs of the animals that were sacrificed. That is why, before making a sacrifice, the owner makes his mark on it, by which he can quickly find it. Is it possible to work in Eid al-Adha? The essence of the holiday lies in the fact that Muslims believe that in order to get to heaven, a sacrifice in the form of an animal is necessary. The ritual takes a lot of time, so everyone tries to get rid of work on this day.
Rite of Sacrifice
A Muslim who knows how to properly perform a sacrifice must do it himself. Is it possible to work on Eid al-Adha when making a sacrifice?
If a person cannot perform the ritual of sacrifice himself, then he should turn to someone who knows how to do it, but it is important to be present in person during the ritual. Therefore, buying an animal and asking a knowledgeable person to sacrifice it is not enough, personal presence is necessary.
You can sacrifice a camel, cow, bull, buffalo, ram, sheep or goat. But here there are some peculiarities. A cow or a camel can be sacrificed for seven people. A goat or a sheep is slaughtered for one Muslim. In addition, they donate not only for the living, but also for the dead.
Before cutting the victim, it is necessary to knock him down on the ground so that his head is directed towards Mecca, and a lollipop must be put in his mouth, which is then taken out, because it will become blessed. Muslims believe that with the appearance of the first drop of blood of a sacrificial animal to a believer who performs the ceremony, Allah forgives all sins. The liver and blood of the victim must be collected in a black rag so that the light does not fall on them.
Requirements for sacrificial animals
There are also certain requirements for sacrificial animals.
- First, the age of the animal. A goat or sheep must be at least a year old; buffalo and cow (bull) - at least two years; a camel is at least five years old.
- Secondly, the animal must be healthy and free from defects. The absence of a small part of an ear or a few teeth is acceptable. But the eyes, tail and other organs and parts of the body of the animal must be intact.
- Thirdly, it is desirable that the animal is well-fed.
The ritual of sacrifice begins immediately after the holiday prayer and ends at sunset on the 13th of the month. Cut the animal only with a very sharp knife.
What to do with the meat of the sacrificial animal?
The meat of the sacrifice must be divided into three parts. The first part is given to the poor, the second part is left to prepare treats for relatives, friends, neighbors, and the third part is left to the owner of the animal. The meat of such an animal can be treated to people of other faiths. In no case can you sell the skin or meat of a sacrificial animal.
Exist special cases when all three parts of the animal are given to the poor. For example, when a person vowed to thank Allah for getting rid of all sorts of troubles or for recovery. Such a promise is called nazer and it should be fulfilled on this holiday. After the slaughter of the sacrificial animal, Muslims arrange a ritual meal, to which they are invited a large number of people.
Food and drink on Eid al-Adha
Now, like many years ago, much attention is paid to the most important holiday for Muslims. For most believers, the question of whether it is possible for a Muslim to work on Eid al-Adha does not arise. Employers often meet believers halfway, allowing them to take a day off.
In order to celebrate this holiday according to all traditions, the believer needs to carefully prepare for its celebration. Women think ahead about food and drinks. From the meat of a sacrificial animal, they cook very tasty mostly traditional dishes according to local preferences. No less attention is paid to the special festive decoration of the table. Many different sweets are prepared for this holiday. Housewives bake cakes, bread, biscuits, pies, and also make various desserts using almonds and raisins.
The use of alcohol in Eid al-Adha is strictly prohibited, it is considered a mockery of the principles of Islam. Is it possible to work in Eid al-Adha? The traditions of this holiday prescribe on this day to visit and give gifts to close friends and relatives.
Is it possible to work on Eid al-Adha and the following days after the holiday? During this period of time, it is customary to pay visits not only to relatives, but also to close acquaintances, because visiting guests will be considered desirable and blessed.
Is it possible to work on the day of Eid al-Adha? A true Muslim always answers this question in the negative. After all, this holiday is the most important in the life of a believer. Many traditions are associated with it, it originates from ancient times. Therefore, every Muslim tries to spend the days of the holiday in preparation for it, and, of course, it is very difficult to combine this with work. It lasts only 3-4 days, so you need to try to refuse the service on these days.
Kurban Bayram or as it is also called Eid ul-Adha is the second most significant holiday among Muslims. This is the Feast of Sacrifice, during which every Muslim tries to make the Hajj to Mecca. Let's take a closer look at this holiday, learn about its traditions and customs, and also what the essence of the holiday is.
What date is Eid al-Adha in 2018
The Feast of Sacrifice is celebrated on the tenth day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, that is, on August 21st. It is worth noting that the holiday itself lasts from 2 to 3 days.
Kurban Bayram - the history of the holiday
Eid al-Adha is celebrated in memory of such a righteous man as Ibrahim, or rather, on this day, his deeds and obedience to Allah, which he showed, are remembered. His story began with the fact that Allah said to distribute all his possessions and wealth to the poor. He submitted and ended up getting twice as much as he had before. Then the next more difficult test awaited him - the trial by fire. Ignorant polytheists were sent to the fire for his faith, but Allah turned the flames into rose petals. Finally, for his deeds, he was rewarded with such a long-awaited son, Ishak. But, as it turned out, not just like that, because Ibrahim was waiting for the last test - to sacrifice his firstborn. It was hard for him, but in the end the decision was made to do the will of Allah. However, at the last moment, Allah stopped him and ordered Ibrahim, instead of his son, to sacrifice a lamb, which he sent down from heaven.
The essence of the holiday is that people remember the humility of Ibrahim and follow his example.
Eid al-Adha - how they celebrate
Prepare for this holiday long before it starts. The preparation consists in not having lavish parties 20 days before Kurban, putting on new clothes and not cutting your hair all this time. The main action takes place in Mecca, in the valley of Mina, where, according to legend, Ibrahim sacrificed a lamb. There, Muslims perform the ritual of sacrifice. It is worth noting that any animal is not suitable for this, there are a number of rules for its selection.
First, animals such as cow, bull, goat, ram, sheep and camel are accepted. Others cannot be offered as a sacrifice.
Secondly, it should be only healthy animals, without a single defect. Pay attention also to age. For example, a sheep and a ram should be older than a year, a goat, a cow and a bull must be over two years old, and a camel at least five years old. It is also believed that for sacrifice it is better to choose an animal with white wool than with black. However, if these are not available, then any healthy animal without any flaws will do.
The holiday itself begins in the morning. Muslims begin their day with a full bath, and it is also mandatory to wear clean and tidy clothes. After that, they immediately go to the mosque for prayer. It should be noted that it is not recommended to eat before this. After that, everyone goes home, but some go outside, and as a result, a small group of people gather to sing various religious songs. Already in the afternoon, everyone gathers again in the mosque to listen to a sermon, after which they go to the cemetery to pray for their dead relatives. And only after that the rite of sacrifice is performed. Usually this is a special animal that was prepared for this ritual.
Over the victim, any ordinary Muslim can pronounce a short formula: “Bismillah, Allah Akbar”, that is, “In the name of Allah, Allah is great!” Before the ram is slaughtered, it must be thrown to the ground with its head towards Mecca. You can sacrifice a ram that has reached the seventh month (according to the Shafi'i madhhab - a full year), a bull or a cow that has reached a full two years, a camel that has reached a full five years. It is desirable that the sacrificial animal be fat, large and beautiful. It should not have flaws that adversely affect the quantity and quality of meat. Therefore, lame, blind or sick animals should not be sacrificed. As well as animals in which more than half of the horn is broken or more than half of the ear is cut off. It is advisable to use a third of the meat to treat your family, give a third to the poor among neighbors and relatives, and give a third as alms to those who ask for it.
Ibn Abbas also spoke about the sacrifice of the prophet: “He left a third for the family, a third for treating poor neighbors, and distributed a third to those who asked.” Ibn Umar said: "Sacrifices and gifts are a third for you, a third for the family, a third for the poor." You can not pay off the butcher, who cut the sacrificial animal, with meat. But you can give him part of the meat if he is poor, or donate, but not as payment. The one who offered the sacrifice cannot sell anything from the sacrificial animal, neither meat nor skin, but he can use the skin and other parts of it.
On this day, every Muslim in the house should have a festive dastarkhan, as it is customary to receive guests and go to visit on this day. It is customary to give gifts to close friends and relatives on Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayram).
And in the evening the whole family gathers at a rich table together. At the same time, according to tradition, the owner of the house should not skimp on treats - there should be a lot of food. And the housewives specially cook separately for the poor.
Questions and answers regarding the Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Adha)
1. What is the best way to celebrate Eid al-Adha?
Answer: Eid al-Adha family celebration Therefore, after visiting the mosque, it is best to sacrifice an animal together with the family, distribute meat to those in need, visit relatives and friends, make gifts to each other.
2. What does the Feast of Sacrifice mean for believers?
Answer: Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son in order to fulfill the command of Allah.
3. What is its humanistic message?
Answer: Obedience to Allah. To commemorate this event, every Muslim remembers the readiness to fulfill the will of Allah, even if for this it would have to sacrifice his only son.
Also importance has alms on this day, material aid the needy and alleviate their heavy burden.
4. What rituals and ceremonies do Muslims observe on this day?
Answer: The Feast of Sacrifice marks the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca. According to the madhhab of Abu Hanifa, participation in a collective holiday prayer is a wajib. It is sunnah on this day not to eat anything before prayer.
5. How many days does the Feast of Sacrifice last?
Answer: The Feast of Sacrifice lasts 3 days, which are called Tashrik.
6. What obligations are placed on believers on this day?
Answer: The fulfillment of any religious prescriptions, as well as the avoidance of sins, is obligatory for Muslims on any day, including holidays. On the Feast of Sacrifice, as well as the days of Tashriq, fasting is prohibited. According to the madhhab of Abu Hanifa, every Muslim who has a nisab must make a sacrifice.
7. Is the day before the holiday also significant from the point of view of Islam? What is recommended to do on the eve of the holiday?
Answer: The day before the Feast of Sacrifice is called the day of Arafat. On this day, pilgrims, being in the Arafat valley, ask Allah for the forgiveness of sins and turn to Allah with prayers for their loved ones and relatives. For Muslims who were unable to go on Hajj this year, it is Sunnah to fast on the day of Arafat. Also on this day it is important to pray, praise Allah, and it is advisable to spend the night before the holiday in worship.
8. When does the holiday prayer begin?
Answer: Eid prayer on this day begins half an hour after sunrise. On this day, the festive prayer is held in all mosques. A feature of this prayer is that the azan and kamat are not pronounced before it, and the takbir is repeatedly pronounced.
9. What is the position of sacrifice according to the madhhab of Abu Hanifa?
Answer: According to the madhhab of Abu Hanifa, every Muslim who has a nisab must make a sacrifice.
10. How to correctly express the intention to make a sacrifice?
Answer: The intention to sacrifice does not need to be said out loud. However, it is acceptable to speak the intention in any language. For example: "I intend to perform a sacrifice for the pleasure of Allah."
11. What animals are preferred for sacrifice, and what criteria should they meet?
Answer: Almighty Allah declared only livestock as sacrificial animals: “For each community We have established places of sacrifice so that they remember the name of Allah over the cattle with which He endowed them”(Sura Al-Hajj, 34).
12. Is there a time period in which it is necessary to make a sacrifice?
Answer: The time for sacrifice begins immediately after the end of the holiday prayer and lasts for three days after the holiday.
13. Is it possible to make a sacrifice later if a Muslim could not do it on the appointed days?
Answer: No. Sacrifice in Eid al-Adha is performed only on fixed days.
14. Is it enough to sacrifice one sheep per family?
Answer: Kurban is performed from every adult, reasonable person who has his own income, nisab.
15. What to do with the skin of sacrificial animals?
Answer: A Muslim who makes a sacrifice can use the skin of an animal, or donate it to those in need. It is forbidden to pay with the skin of sacrificial animals to the people who performed the slaughter.
16. Is the sacrifice valid if the slaughtered animal is pregnant? What to do with the fetus?
Answer: If a live fetus is extracted from a slaughtered pregnant female, then it will be in the same category as its mother (i.e. it will be considered a sacrificial animal, the same for its meat, skin, etc.) . If the fetus is dead, it should be buried.
17. When should the meat of the sacrificial animal be consumed?
Answer: Initially, the Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered to consume and distribute all the meat in three days, that is, not to leave it for long-term storage. However, he subsequently canceled this instruction: "I have been ordered to eat the meat within three days, but now you can eat it as you wish"(Ash-Shawkyani M. Neil al-avtar. T. 5. S. 136, hadith No. 2128.)
18. Into how many parts should the meat of the sacrificial animal be divided?
Answer: The meat of the sacrificial animal should be divided into three parts: one part must be donated to the needy, one part should be distributed to relatives, and one part should be left for yourself and your family.
19. Is it possible to breed animals for the purpose of selling them for kurban?
Answer: Yes, you can
20. Can each member of the family sacrifice an animal if they have their own income, or is one animal from the family sufficient?
Answer: From one family one animal is enough, regardless of the income of its members. But if it is possible to sacrifice several animals, the reward from Allah will be appropriate.
21. Can we distribute the meat of sacrificial animals and give gifts to those who do not fulfill their religious obligations?
Answer: Yes, of course. In this case, you will remind them of the importance of observing religious precepts and soften their hearts towards Islam.
22. I have heard that some Muslims fast for 10 days before the Feast of Sacrifice. It is allowed?
Answer: It is Sunnah to fast all the first 9 days of the month of Zul-Hijja, up to the Feast of the Sacrifice (Kurban Bayram). "The Messenger of Allah fasted 9 days of the month of Zul-Hijjah, on the day of Ashura and three days every month". (Abu Dawud)
23. What should young families do if, for example, due to lack of money, they cannot perform the sacrifice?
Answer: Sacrifice is obligatory for wealthy families who have nisab. If the family income does not reach nisab or there are debts, then the sacrifice is not obligatory.
(Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha).
Both prayers are a wajib for those who are required to attend juma (a person must be a man, free - not be in prison, not have illnesses and physical disabilities that do not allow him to come to the mosque, and not be a traveler).
Unlike the Friday prayer (jumah), which is not considered valid without reciting the khutba (a two-part sermon that is said before the prayer), the khutba during the holiday prayers is read after the prayer, so it does not apply to the conditions for the validity of the prayer. Without a khutbah, eid prayer (eid prayer) will be valid, but this is undesirable, just as undesirable as reading a khutbah before the holiday prayer.
As for the celebration Uraza Bayram (Eid al-Fitr), for him mandub (preferably) 13 things (for a holiday Eid al-Adha- the same, with a slight difference, see below):
1. Before going to prayer, it is advisable to eat something, it’s good if it is dates in an odd number (during the Eid al-Adha holiday, on the contrary, it is advisable to eat after the holiday prayer).
2. Take a full ablution (ghusl).
3. Use miswak.
4. Use incense.
5. Wear your best clothes.
6. If a person has the duty of sadaka-fitr, then give it before prayer (applies only to the holiday of Uraza Bayram).
7. Show your joy, go to the mosque in a good mood.
8. As far as possible, distribute during the Sadaqah holiday.
9. Get up early on the day of the holiday and come early to the place of prayer.
11. Then go to the place of the holiday prayer on foot, saying the takbir to yourself (for the holiday of Eid al-Adha, on the contrary, it is good to say the takbir aloud).
12. Stop doing takbir when you reach the place of prayer (according to one opinion). According to another opinion, takbir can be read before the start of the holiday prayer.
13. Return home a different way.
The time of the beginning of the holiday prayer: from the time the sun rises to the height of a spear or two spears and until the start of the time of the zaval (when the sun from the zenith begins to lean towards the west).
The procedure for performing a festive prayer (this applies to both holidays, both Uraza and Eid al-Adha):
An intention is made for the Eid prayer. The introductory takbir is pronounced. The dua "Sana" is read.
Additionally, three takbirs (the phrase "Allahu Akbar") are pronounced, each time raising their hands.
Then it is pronounced “Auzubillah”, “Bismillah”, Sura Fatiha and another sura are read.
When they rise from the sajdah to the second rak'ah: it is pronounced "bismillah", al-Fatiha is read, the second sura - it is advisable to read the al-Gashiya sura in the second rak'ah.
In the second rak'ah, before the ruku' (bow from the waist), you must also say the takbir three times, each time raising your hands.
After the prayer, the imam pronounces two khutbas, in which he teaches the believers the rules for paying fitr-sadaq (respectively, during the festive prayer of Eid al-Adha, the rules for performing kurban, sacrifice).
The one who missed the holiday prayer does not make up for it. If the prayer was missed for a good reason, then it can be left the next day.
As for the holiday Kurban Bayram (Eid al-Adha): almost the same is done as for the holiday of Uraza-Bayram, with a slight difference:
- It is undesirable to eat before prayer, as in the previous case, it is advisable to do this after prayer.
- On the way to the festive prayer, it is advisable to pronounce the takbir loudly.
- During the khutba, talk about the sacrifice (kurban) and its rules.
- Takbir tashrik is pronounced during the khutba.
- If the holiday prayer was missed for a good reason, then it can be postponed up to three days (because the holiday lasts three days, and not one day, as in the first case).
- It is wajib to pronounce tashriq takbir.
According to Abu Hanifa, it should be recited from the time of the morning prayer of the day of Arafat (the day before the holiday) until the asr prayer of the day of the holiday, it is read immediately after each farz prayer, which is performed together with the jamaat. This is a wajib for an imam who lives in a city (not a traveler) and for those who pray behind him, even if he is a traveler, a slave or a woman.
According to Imams Abu Yusuf and Muhammad, this must be done after each farz prayer that a person has read, even when he is alone (not in a jamaat), even if he is a traveler. This is done before the time of the Asr prayer on the fifth day after the day of Arafat.
A fatwa is given on the basis of a second opinion.
Takbir Tashrik is the following phrase: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La ilaha illallahu wa Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahi lhamd."