Eid-ul-Adha marks the end of the day of Arafat, which is considered to be the most important day of Hajj.
Pilgrims gather for the day on Mount Arafat, also known as the Mountain of Mercy, which is about 20km south east of Makkah, pleading to the Almighty for mercy and forgiveness. This is where Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), delivered his last sermon.
The following day, which is the day of Eid-ul-Adha, Qurbani (the sacrifice of a sheep, goat or cow) is carried out after Fajr and the morning Eid prayers. Muslims across the world practice this act of Qurbani annually, (Qurbani can be carried out between the 10th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. The sacrifice that is an integral part of Qurbani, recalls the millennia-old act of faith by Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who obeyed the supreme call to submission, when he was prepared to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismael (AS) for the pleasure of the Almighty alone. A sheep was then put, by the will of the Almighty, in place of Ismael (AS). Devotees are encouraged to develop a bond with the intended sacrificial animal- to add depth to the sacrifice that will follow. The meat from the sacrified animal is then divided into three portions; the poor, family & friends and oneself.
The Laudium Sun joins Naeema, Nasar, M.Zaiyaan (8) and Zidane (4) Abrahams, of Van Leenhof Street, Erasmia, in wishing all Muslims Eid-ul-Adha Mubarak. Our thoughts are also with those who are on pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. May their Hajj be accepted and their return home safe.
