Message #12275

[muslima]

That's a very interesting discussion.  JazekAllah khair, sisters Muslima and Heba.  

In this regard let me add that not just Eid-al-Fitr, but Eid-al-Adha is also not a celebration as we make it today.  Rather, what we have named as Eid-al-Adha is one of the obligatory steps (or rituals) of Hajj in commemoration of Prophet Abraham and his son, Prophet Ishmael, as per the dictates of the Glorious Quran.  The purpose of this practice is largely charitable, it is not a celebration. By sacrificing an animal after the completion of Hajj, we are to thank Allah and distribute most of it to the poor & needy and keep a portion for our family.  That's all.  In contrary to this, look how extravagantly Eid-al-Adha is celebrated nowadays with a full party spirit.  It's an excuse for lavish get-togethers and dinners in the homes of the wealthy and middle-class alike with a variety of rich food laid across the table for their well-to-do relatives and friends who are surely neither needy nor poor.   They hardly think of the poor.  At best the poor might get a small portion or just the left over crumbs after the partying is over.  

Also, what I understand from the Quran, sacrificing an animal at the end of Hajj is obligatory only for those performing Hajj.  The Quran does not say that everyone around the world must sacrifice an animal at this time of the year.  However, since it is purely a charitable act, therefore it's okay even if those not performing Hajj want to participate in the sacrifice (if they can afford it financially).  But it should not be turned into an extravagant celebration.  That would completely change the purpose of this practice, which is what Muslims are doing at present, unfortunately.  

aoa sister zeynab
absoulotly right its beyond understanding

Sacrificing an animal is a Hajj Ritual is a reflection of specific Sunnah of Hajj from Ibrahim (as).All rituals of Hajj is for Hajis 2:196  ?

 why all muslims secrifiece animal? for show off most expancive animal only to fill our deepfrizers ?
 we are far away from Quran. we are our own worst enemy .sister zeynab u mention the strong piont there is no evidance in quran? every muslims sacrifice animal.very good observation sister such understanding of quran can make big relief for those who really facing many problems only for show off(forcefully)