The Festival of Sacrifice
>> Nov 13, 2010
Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى) or Festival of Sacrifice or Greater Eid is a significant religious holiday celebrated by Muslims around the world to celebrate the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Isma’il) as an act of obedience to God, before God interfered to provide him with a ram to sacrifice instead.
Why do Muslims sacrifice an animal on this day?
During the commemoration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims memorialize and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a cow, sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.
God has given us authority over animals and allowed us to consume meat, but only if we pronounce Allah name at the solemn act of taking life. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.
The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our enthusiasm to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands.
It also represents our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to make stronger the ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We are aware of all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.
It is very essential to comprehend that the sacrifice itself, as accomplished by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to clean ourselves from sin. This is a misinterpretation. The representation is in the thought - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. (Source: google).
I captured the sheep that will be sacrificed at November 17th 2010, the Festival of Sacrifice.
