Eid-el-Kabir is the second of the two main Islamic holidays alongside Eid al-Fitr. In Nigeria and many parts of the world, it is a public holiday, a day in which schools and businesses are closed for the celebrations. Eid-el-Kabir is a celebration that was inspired by a story in the Quran also known by Christians and Jews.
Therefore, continue reading to find out what the holiday is all about and how to participate.
What is Eid-el-Kabir?
Eid-el-Kabir, also known as Eid al-Adha, which is translated as the Feast of Sacrifice, is a significant holiday celebrated by Muslims to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s (known as Abraham by Christians and Jews) devotion to God.
It usually falls on the 10th day in the final (twelfth) month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar; Dhu-al-Hijjah, depending on a legitimate sighting of the moon.
History behind Eid-el-Kabir celebration
Historically, the celebration can be traced to Prophet Ibrahim and his devotion to Allah. According to the narrative, Ibrahim kept having dreams that he was sacrificing his son. Knowing that this was a command from Allah, he informed his son as stated in Surah As-Saaffat 37:102, “My son, I see in my dream that I am slaughtering you. So consider (and tell me) what you think.” He said: “Do as you are bidden. You will find me, if Allah so wills, among the steadfast.”
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Therefore, Ibraham prepared to submit to Allah’s will by slaughtering his son, Ishmael. During the process, Iblis (Satan) tempted Ibraham and his family by trying to convince them not to go through with the sacrifice. Ibraham drove Iblis away by throwing pebbles at him. This explains why pebbles are thrown during Hajj rites at symbolic pillars, which symbolise the place at which Iblis tried to dissuade Ibraham.
To honour Ibraham’s devotion, Jibreel (Angel Gabriel) called Ibraham and said: “O’ Ibrahim, you have fulfilled the revelations.”
The Angel offered Ibraham a ram sent from heaven to slaughter instead of his son. Therefore, Eid-el-Kabir is known as the festival of sacrifice.
Festival of Sacrifice
The festival of sacrifice is usually celebrated for three or four days worldwide. Muslims usually attend special prayers held in mosques and Islamic centres. Qurbani (sacrifice) is carried out following the Eid Salaah (Eid Prayers), which are performed in congregation at mosques in the morning of Eid.
The act of Qurbani usually consists of slaughtering an animal, which must be a sheep, lamb, goat, cow, bull or camel. The sheep, lamb or goat has one Qurbani share, while the bull, cow or camel has seven shares per animal. The animal must be in good health and of a certain age before being deemed fit as a sacrifice in a “halal” friendly, Islamic way.
Also, this sacrifice marks the remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice for Allah. It is known as Udhiya, during which animal sacrifice must be done for three days, from the 10th to the 12th of Dhu-al-Hijjah. The Qurbani meat can be divided into three equal portions per share; one-third is for you and your family, one-third is for friends and the final third to be donated to the less privileged.
Then the day can be spent celebrating with family, friends and loved ones. Celebrants often turn out in their best attires and share gifts.
Hajj pilgrimage
Eid-el-Kabir celebrations usually follow the completion of the annual Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj. The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the important Five Pillars of Islam, an obligation for all Muslims who fit specific criteria.
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During the Hajj, which is usually performed at Mecca, Saudi Arabia (the holiest city for Muslims), pilgrims usually perform the Ṭawāf, where they go around the Kaaba (the most sacred site in Islam) seven times in a counterclockwise direction. The first three times are done hurriedly on the outer part of the Mataaf and the latter four times closer to the Kaaba at a leisurely pace. This circling signifies the unity of believers in the worship of the One God since they move together in supplication to God.
Pilgrims also perform the Saee at Safa and Marwa, two small hills where Muslims run in between them. Then they perform the ritual stoning of the devil on Eid day and the following days. On Eid day, pilgrims must strike the Big Jamarah or Al-Jamrah Al-Aqaba with seven pebbles. After the stoning is completed, every pilgrim must cut or shave their hair. Then, they must hit all three walls with seven pebbles each, going in order from east to west on each of the following two days. Some pilgrims stay an additional day and they must stone the three walls seven times.
The pebbles used in the stoning are traditionally gathered at Muzdalifah, a plain southeast of Mina on the night before the first throwing.
Significance of Eid-el-Kabir
Eid-el-Kabir is simply a celebration of faith and sacrifice. To prove their faithfulness to the Almighty, a family was willing to give up a precious son. Here, a father willingly submits to the will of Allah to sacrifice his son. The son, on the other hand, submits himself as a sacrificial lamb without hesitation.
Another significant figure in this story is the mother, Hajar, who had to step aside and watch the inevitable loss of her only son. In the end, God saw the devotion of his people and rewarded them by sparing the life of their son and offering a ram to be sacrificed instead.
Therefore, Eid-el-Kabir serves as a reminder to all Muslim faithful that God can intervene for them in a time of hopelessness. Just as He spared Ishmael from being put to slaughter, He can spare His people from harrowing experiences.
But then, you must be willing to prove your faith and submit to His will wherever He calls.
Eid prayers in mosques or open fields
The Eid celebration usually begins with the early morning ghusl (bath) followed by a prayer which is generally called Salah. This prayer is slightly different from the regular prayers. It is also necessary to perform Salah in open space like a huge ground, or field rather than in a mosque in Jama’ah.
Salah should also be performed after dawn or anytime in the day before sunset, usually between 7 am to 12 pm during daylight. The prayer is made up of two parts (rak’ahs). On the way to Eid prayer, say the general Takbeerat which is Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La ilaaha illa-llaah, wa-llaahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa li-llaahil hamd.
To perform the first rak’ah, men are supposed to touch their earlobes, while women should hold their shoulders. Then they say, “I intend to pray two raka’ah of the Eid al-Fitr/Eid al-Adha prayer for Allah facing the Ka’bah.” After that, the men keep their right hands over the left below the navels and the women keep theirs below the chest.
Now, they can recite the opening supplication: SubhanaK-Allahumma wa bihamdiKa, wa tabaarak-asmuKa, wa ta-’aala jadduKa, wa la ilaaha ghayruK (meaning “O Allah, glory and praise are for You, and blessed is Your Name, and exalted is Your Majesty and there is no god but You”). They will recite this prayer for each takbeer made by the Imam.
For the second raka’ah, the Imam will recite Surah al-Fatihah and after it another surah.
Eid dressing
During Eid-el-Kabir, Muslims usually turn out in their best attires. These can be embroidered dresses or sequinned garments for women and bow ties and waistcoats for men during the early morning prayers.
Local delicacies prepared for Eid-el-Kabir
Ram meat is the main ingredient for Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. You can use this meal to prepare several delicacies such as stew and soups. Ram meat can also be boiled, fried or roasted, depending on your taste.
Popular delicacies include rice and stew, jollof rice, fried rice, egusi, vegetable and ewedu soups, among many other local delicacies.
