Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “The greatest day is the day of sacrifice.” He teaches us to understand human life as a divine gift.
Kurban Bayram (Arabic – Eid al-Adha) – main Muslim holiday, celebrated on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and continues three more days 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah – Tashriq days. Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “The greatest day is the day of sacrifice.” The holiday of Eid al-Adha teaches us to understand human life as a divine gift.
Holiday nights are spent in prayer and worship, making up for missed prayers, and reading the Holy Quran. Night from 9th to 10th Dhul Hijjah It is advisable to spend it in Ibadat.
After midnight (until morning) they perform a complete ablution and practice personal hygiene. Anyone who participates in the ritual of slaughtering a sacrificial animal (qurban) must not cut his hair and nails for ten days before the sacrifice.
In the morning, without eating, they go to the mosque to perform Eid prayer - 45 minutes after sunrise (the time is checked with the imam of the mosque). Eid prayer is performed in the same way as on the day of Eid al-Fitr. On the eve of Eid al-Adha and until the last day of Tashrik, from sunset until Eid prayer, then after each prayer and before adhkar, the takbir is read on the way to the mosque.
On the day of Kurban Bayram, Muslims show joy, greet believers, congratulate them on the holiday, visit relatives, neighbors, acquaintances, other Muslims, receive guests, ask for forgiveness for the grievances caused and reconcile those who are in a quarrel, distribute sadaqa, go to the mosque, to the tombs of the righteous and in the cemetery to the graves of relatives.
Kurban. Ibrahim, peace be upon him, was the first to slaughter a sacrificial animal in the name of the Almighty. Our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Kurban is the sunnah of our father Ibrahim (peace be upon him)” (Abu Dawud). Sacrifice in Islam fosters the ability to do good for others in the name of Allah: two-thirds of the meat of a sacrificial animal is distributed to the poor, the poor, the needy and neighbors. This is not a magical ritual, but a prescribed rite of worship to the Almighty, proving the piety of Muslims.
“For every community We have established places of sacrifice (or religious ceremonies) so that they remember the name of Allah over the cattle with which He has provided them. Your God is the only God. Be submissive to Him. And you tell the good news to the humble,
whose hearts are filled with fear at the mention of the name of Allah, who are patient with what befalls them, perform prayer and spend from what We have provided them with.
We made sacrificial camels for you as ritual signs of Allah. They benefit you. Say the name of Allah over them as they stand in rows. When they fall on their sides, eat from them and feed those who are content with little and those who beg out of poverty. So We made them (the camels) subject to you, so perhaps you will be grateful.
Neither their meat nor their blood reaches Allah. Only your fear of God reaches Him. So He made them subject to you, so that you exalt Allah for having guided you to the straight path. Give good news to those who do good.
Indeed, Allah protects those who believe. Indeed, Allah does not love any ungrateful traitors."
Holy Quran. Sura 22 "Al-Hajj" / "Pilgrimage", verse 34-38
Kurban may be from three types of animals: rams, sheep and goats; cows, bulls and buffaloes; camels. The preferred Qurbani is ram or sheep.
“The best of my ummah cut the Qurbani, the worst do not cut it,” says an authentic hadith. Sacrifice (qurban) on the day of Eid al-Adha or on the next three days (days of tashriq) is the Sunnah to which our Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, paid special attention (sunnat ul-muakkada).
Sacrifice these days is a highly rewarded act. A hadith transmitted from Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, says: “Whoever leaves the house to get an animal for Qurbani, for each of his steps 10 good deeds are written and 10 sins are erased, his conversation during the purchase and sale will be recorded as tasbih (remembrance Allah), for every dirham given for an animal, 700 good deeds are recorded. When he throws the animal to the ground to cut it, all creation, from this place to the seventh heaven, will ask for the forgiveness of his sins, from every drop of the animal’s blood angels will be created, who will also ask for the forgiveness of his sins until the Day of Judgment.”
Imam Shafi'i said: "I do not approve (permission) not to cut the Qurbani to someone who has the opportunity to cut it." Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, recommended slaughtering at least a rooster if there is no other possibility, although this will not be considered a full-fledged qurbani. The meaning of this is that on this day it is advisable to sacrifice at least something, showing respect for this holiday. The main thing in sacrifice is the manifestation of submission to the Almighty.
عيد الأضحى Feast of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) (Arabic: عيد الأضحى , English. Eidul-Adha, Kaz. Kurban ait tat. Korban bairame, Azerbaijani. Qurban Bayramı) is an Islamic holiday of the end of the Hajj, celebrated on the 10th day of the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar (Dhul-Hijj) in memory of the sacrifice of the Prophet Abraham and 70 days after the holiday of Ramadan.
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Ritual of sacrifice
The victim must be at least one year old, healthy and free of any defects. It is believed that a sheep or goat can only be sacrificed from one person, and a cow, bull or camel can be sacrificed from seven people. Usually a two-year-old ram, goat, cow or bull is slaughtered; a sacrificial camel, as a rule, is at least five years old. The custom allows for sacrifices not only for the living, but also for the dead.
Often the skins of sacrificed animals are given to the Mosque. The meat is boiled and eaten at a common meal, which can be attended by any Muslim, with an imam usually at the head of the table. On the Feast of Sacrifice, you should definitely try a variety of delicious meat dishes, which are prepared in different countries, in accordance with local tastes, using various spices and flavorings; Much attention is paid to the festive decoration of the table, as well as the preparation of numerous sweets. People try to give gifts to close friends and relatives on holidays. In the days following the holiday, visits are usually made to relatives and close friends, since visiting sacrifices on the days of the holiday is considered blessed and desirable.
Sacrifice on the day of Eid al-Adha (Eid al-Adha) is an Islamic ritual for which there is much evidence. Allah Almighty says in the Quran: “...pray to your Lord and make a sacrifice.” Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (meib) sacrificed two rams, which were large, fat and horned. When the Prophet laid one of them, he said: “In the name of Allah and Allah is great. O Allah, accept this from Muhammad and the family of Muhammad." And when he laid the second one, he said: “In the name of Allah and Allah is great. O Allah, accept this from Muhammad, his Ummah, those who have testified to Your unity and witnessed my fulfillment of the mission.” Prophet Muhammad (meib) called on Muslims to sacrifice. Aisha reported the words of the Prophet: “A person’s favorite deed for Allah on the day of sacrifice is making a sacrifice. On the Day of Judgment, the sacrificial animal will be on the cup of good deeds with its horns, wool and hooves. The blood shed on this day reaches its place before Allah before it reaches the earth. So cleanse your souls with it.”
The Feast of Sacrifice is celebrated on the 10th day of the 12th month of the Muslim lunar calendar, Dhu-l-Hijjah, during the period of pilgrimage to Mecca.
The most common sacrifice is a ram
Celebrating the day of sacrifice, even if it does not take place in Mecca, begins early in the morning. At first light, Muslims go to the mosque for morning prayer, but first it is advisable to perform a complete ablution, put on new and neat clothes, and, if possible, anoint yourself with incense. It is not recommended to eat before prayer. At the end of the morning Namaz, believers return home. Then they go again to the mosque or to a specially designated area (namazgah), where the Mullah or imam-khatib delivers a sermon (khutbah). The khutba usually begins with the glorification of Allah and his prophet, then explains the origin of the hajj and the meaning of the ritual of sacrifice.
After prayer, Muslims who have the opportunity to make a sacrifice do so. 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.
Ritual of sacrifice
You can sacrifice a ram that has reached the seventh month (according to Shafi'i - 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. There should be no flaws in it that adversely affect the quantity and quality of meat. Therefore, lame, blind or sick animals should not be sacrificed. And also animals that have more than half of their horns broken or more than half of their ears cut off. Al-Barra reported that the Prophet (mayib) said: “Four animals are not suitable for sacrifice - an animal with pronounced blindness, a sick one, with a pronounced lameness and a thin one.”
It is advisable to use a third of the meat to treat your family, give a third to poor neighbors and relatives, and give a third as alms to those who ask for it. As the Almighty said about this: “... then eat their meat and feed those who are content with little, and those who ask out of poverty.”
Ibn Abbas also spoke about the sacrifice of the Prophet (meib): “He left a third for the family, a third to treat poor neighbors, and a third he distributed to those who asked.” Ibn Umar said: “Sacrifices and gifts - a third for you, a third for your family, a third for the poor.”
You cannot pay the butcher who slaughtered the sacrificial animal with meat. But you can give him part of the meat if he is poor, or donate it, but not as payment. Ali said: “The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, ordered me to oversee the sacrifice, divide its meat and skin, and not give the butcher anything from the sacrificial animal. He said, 'We'll pay him back.'
All praise and thanks be to Allah, peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, his family, and those who follow his path until the Day of Judgment.
Eid al-Fitr occurs at the end of the month of Ramadan, on the first day of the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This is one of the two main holidays of Islam and is celebrated by all Muslims around the world. After days and nights of devotion, worship, days of fasting, night prayers, the onset of Eid al-Fitr gives us a reason to be overwhelmed with joy and happiness. By being spiritually recharged during the blessed month of Ramadan, Muslims gain the fortitude to face life's challenges with hearts full of faith and souls filled with determination and strength. It is a day that sums up the unique Islamic view of life: a life that centers around Allah Almighty and puts one's pleasures under control. It is a day of gratitude and thanksgiving, spiritual exchange and unity, joy and happiness. We want to offer you information about the meaning of this holiday for every Muslim, as well as what etiquette and rules are inherent in this special day.
Eid al-Fitr (Eid al-Fitr). The meaning of the holiday (video)
Meaning of Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is a day of benefit and blessing for all fasting Muslims, as they are promised a great reward from Allah Almighty for all who fast correctly. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims express their gratitude to Allah, who allowed them to fast, and at the same time, provided them with abundance during this blessed month. Eid al-Fitr is therefore a day of joy, acts of worship, thanksgiving to Allah, cooperation, solidarity, brotherhood, unity and spirituality. During the month of Ramadan, Allah gives us a test. At the end of the month there comes a great feeling of satisfaction, of getting closer to the Almighty. This is the joy of spiritual realization. This is a time to celebrate, not a time to engage in insults, take advantage of others, or be distracted from the achievements of the month of Ramadan. This is a day of real happiness and joy.
When Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) entered the house of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) on the day of Eid, he found two young girls playing music and singing. Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) asked them:
“Why are you doing this in the house of the Prophet?” But the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) to leave them, since Eid al-Fitr is a day of fun and joy.
It is important to us that our youth and our neighbors understand that our religion is not burdensome, boring or only in the realm of taboos. We must show that Islam is the path of moderation, tolerance and beauty, and sharing joy at appropriate times.
Eid al-Fitr celebrations begin early in the morning with congregational worship. This action takes place, as a rule, in a large open place in which. After the prayer, the prayer leader (Imam) gives a short sermon and people begin to greet each other. The rest of the ceremony is usually held privately with family and friends.
The meaning of Eid al-Fitr is that it is a day of thanksgiving to Allah for giving Muslims the opportunity to benefit and enjoy the blessings of the month of Ramadan.
Rules of Eid al-Fitr
- Fasting on the day of Eid al-Fitr is haram (prohibited action). This follows from the hadith of Abu Saeed al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him), in which he stated: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of the Almighty be upon him) forbade fasting on the next two days: on the day of Breaking the Fast and on the day of Sacrifice” ( Muslim)
- Holiday prayer. Some of the Hanafi scholars claim that Eid prayers are wajib (obligatory). Some Hanbali scholars say that the Eid prayer is fard Kifaya (sufficient for some Muslims to perform, while others are exempt from liability for failure to comply with the injunction). The third group (Maliki and Shafi'i madhhab) says that the Eid prayer is the Sunnah of Muakkada (the Sunnah that the prophet constantly performed).
- No additional prayers before or after the Eid prayer. Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) began the day of Eid with a prayer of two rak'ahs, without additional prayers before or after. This is the case if prayer is performed in an open place. However, if people perform Eid prayers at the mosque, then they must perform two more rak'ahs of Tahiyat Al-Masjid (prayer of greeting to the mosque).
- Women attending Eid prayer. According to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), everyone is strongly encouraged to participate in Eid prayer and cooperate with each other in piety and fear of God. During menstruation, a woman should not give up the remembrance of Allah or leave the places of seeking knowledge and remembrance of Allah. However, one should move away from the place of prayer during this period. Of course, women should not go out without a hijab.
Eid al-Fitr etiquette
1. Ghusl (great ablution). One of the good manners of a Muslim on Eid al-Fitr is to take a bath before going to prayer. It was reported that Saeed ibn Jubair said: “Three things are sunnah for Eid al-Fitr: attending Eid prayers, taking a bath, eating before going out.”
2. Have breakfast before going to prayer. You should not go out for Eid prayer before eating. According to the hadith of Al-Bukhari, who was narrated by Anasa ibn Malik, who said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did not go out in the morning to celebrate Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten several dates of an odd number.” On the other hand, on Eid al-Adha, it is recommended not to eat food until the prayer is over. After this, one should eat the meat of the sacrificial animal.
3. Takbir on the day of Eid al-Fitr. This is one of the great sunnahs of the Eid. Al-Daraqutni and others narrated that when Ibn Umar went out on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, he would constantly say the takbir until he reached the place of prayer and he would continue to say it until the imam arrived.
4. Congratulate each other. People can exchange holiday greetings in any form. For example, they can say to each other “Takaballahu minnaa wa minkum!” (may Allah accept our good deeds from us and from you). Jubair ibn Nufair said: “In the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), when people met each other on the day of Eid, they would say: “Takaballahu minnaa wa minkum!” (Ibn Hajar)
5. Wearing better clothes. Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) wore a jubbah (cloak) which he wore on Eid al-Fitr and on Fridays.” Al-Bayhaqi reported that Ibn Umar wore his best clothes on Eid, so men should wear their best clothes when they go out on Eid.
6. Changing the route upon returning from Eid prayer. Jabir ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used different routes on the day of Eid to get to and return from Eid prayers. (Al-Bukhari)
Ramadan has come to an end. There are tears in our eyes and our hearts are full of sadness because of the end of Ramadan - the month of the Quran, the month of mercy, the month of unity, the month of forgiveness, the month of freedom from fire. However, we should continue to do good deeds after Ramadan as the Lord of Ramadan is the Lord of the entire year.
Celebrate the holiday at the end of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr means 'Feast of Breaking the Fast'. It falls on the first day of the lunar month of Shawwal after the fasting month of Ramadan. In some regions, Muslims gather on hills to watch the moon and celebrate once local clerics announce the start of Eid. Sometimes it takes two or three days to observe, but in some Muslim countries three public holidays may be planned in advance to coincide exactly with the holiday.
- Since Eid is based on the Islamic lunar calendar, it does not fall on the same day in the Gregorian (Western) calendar. To find out when this holiday will be this year, look online or ask those who celebrate it.
You must look your best. Buying new clothes for Eid is a widespread tradition, and those who cannot afford it will still try to look their best. Muslim women in South Asia often paint their skin with henna on the eve of Eid. It is advisable for men to use perfume or cologne.
- Many people perform ghusl (ritual bath) when taking a shower or bath on the morning of Eid.
End your fast immediately after sunrise. Muslims are not allowed to fast during Eid al-Fitr as they are celebrating the end of it. Before going to prayer, it is advisable to eat. Sometimes those who celebrate the holiday follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad by ending the fast with an odd number of dates (usually one or three).
- Muslims are also advised to perform takbir before sunrise. To do this, you need to raise your hands and say: “Allahu akbar” (Allah is the greatest). If you come to prayer, as will be discussed below, those praying will do this several times during prayer.
Go to sacred prayer. Imams lead special Eid prayers early in the morning, usually in a large central mosque, open field or stadium. In some regions, all Muslims are present at this event. In others, women are encouraged to come, but not required; in others, this event is only for men. At the end of the prayer, the faithful hug each other and say "Eid Mubarak", or "Blessed Eid", to wish each other well. The event ends with a sermon by the imam.
Celebrate the holiday with family and sweet food. Eid al-Fitr is sometimes called the "sweet holiday" because people usually eat sweet foods when they celebrate the end of the Ramadan fast. Mosques may serve it before or after prayer, but many also prepare their own desserts and celebrate at home.
- There are no requirements regarding what to eat (other than halal), but in some regions it is traditional to eat dates, halwa, falooda, biscuits and milk, baklava and noodles.
Give gifts to your younger ones. On Eid, adults usually give children and young people money or gifts and sometimes exchange gifts with each other. After the morning celebration, families often visit their neighbors and relatives to congratulate them and exchange gifts.
Help the poor. Zakat al-Fitr, or the obligation to give to the poor on this day, applies to every Muslim who has the means to do so. Typically, one person should donate the approximate cost of the meal in the form of money, food, or clothing.
Celebrate the holiday until the end of the day. Many people have lunch and/or dinner with family and eat meat, potatoes, rice, barley or any other food. Some people relax after lunch after a day that began with sunrise. Others go to fairs and events organized on Eid, attend parties with friends in the evening, or visit the graves of deceased friends or relatives.
- In many regions, Eid is celebrated for three days or on other days depending on the group of Muslims. If you wish, you can wake up early the next day and re-celebrate and pray.
From sunset on the eve of Eid al-Adha until the Eid prayer, Muslims recite the takbir loudly. Takbir is read in mosques, at home, on the street, in squares - everywhere.
Such widespread loud reading of takbir on both days of Eid (Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr) is a sign that a given locality (village, city) is Muslim.
اَلله اَكْبَرْ اَلله اَكْبَرْ اَلله اَكْبَرْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ الله وَالله اَكْبَرْ الله اَكْبَرْ وَللهِ الْحَمْدُ
الله اكبر الله اكبر الله اكبر ألله اَكْبَرْ كَبِيرًا وَالْحَمْدُ للهِ كَثِيرًا وُسُبْحَانَ اللهِ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلاً
“Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Lailaha illallahu wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar wa lillahil hamd (three times).
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar. Allahu akbar kabiran walhamdulillahi kasiran wa subhanallahi bukratan wa asila.”
In addition, takbir is read after each prayer - immediately after its completion, before the start of azkars (prayers read after prayer), starting after the evening prayer of the day of Arafah and ending with the pre-sunset prayer of the last day of Tashriq, that is, on the 13th.
The sacrifice is made for an adult Muslim with the appropriate intention. Camels, cows (bulls), rams or goats can be used for sacrifice (other animals are not suitable). Their preference follows the order in which they are listed. At the same time, a camel and a cow can be slaughtered for seven, but a ram and a goat can be slaughtered only for one Muslim. But it is better to sacrifice a ram or a goat for everyone than to slaughter one cow for seven. If one ram or goat is slaughtered in a family, then the whole family receives a reward.
Salat ul-Id - festive prayer
Eid prayer is performed in the same way as on the day of Eid al-Adha. Whoever does not know how the holiday prayer is performed, let him perform at least the usual sunnah prayer of two rak'ahs, with the intention of performing the holiday prayer. But since such an opportunity appears once a year, you need to try not to miss it, and if you missed it, then even compensate it as if it was missed. There is no exception for those who are on the move.
At the beginning of the Eid prayer, they say “Allahu akbar” while mentally pronouncing the intention (niyyat): “I intend to perform a two-rakah sunnah prayer on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, in the name of Allah.”
Then, who knows, let him read “Vajakhtu”. After this, in the first rak’ah they say “Allahu Akbar” 7 times, while simultaneously raising their hands to ear level. After each “Allahu Akbar”, with the exception of the last one, say:
سُبْحَانَ اللهِ وَالْحَمْدُ للهِ وَلاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ الله ُوَالله ُاَكْبَرْ
After the last “Allahu Akbar”, Surah al-Fatiha is read. In the second rak'at, “Allahu Akbar” is read 5 times. After the holiday prayer, the imam delivers a holiday sermon.
Time for sacrifice
The best time for the sacrifice comes on the tenth of the month of Dhul-Hijjah, after the time for performing two rak'ahs of prayer and khutbah has passed, when the sun rises to the size of a spear, approximately the size of seven cubits. This time remains until sunset of the last day of Tashriq, i.e. the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.
How to cut
The entire throat and esophagus must be cut. It is advisable for the one who slaughters the sacrificial animal to show pity for it and not roughly drag it to the place of slaughter. It must be placed on the ground carefully, without tightening its legs, leaving the right leg untied. The knife should be sharpened so that the animal cannot see. Do not cut it in the presence of other animals, especially its young. The knife should be sharpened so that one stroke across the throat is enough. During the sacrifice, it is necessary to praise Allah Almighty for the fact that He subjugated animals to us, and for His great benefits (“Shahrul Mafruz”, p. 577).
It is also advisable for a man to slaughter the sacrificial animal himself or to be present when his authorized person makes the sacrifice. It is also advisable to say the takbir three times before making the sacrifice with the words: "Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar wa lillahil hamd". Then it is advisable to say "Bismillah". Can't pronounce "bismillah" in Qibla, read the dua: “Allagyumma gyaza minka, va ilayka, fatakabbaal minni”(“Sunanul Kubra lil Baykhaki”, No. 9/286).
What to do with meat?
The most valuable thing is to leave a little for yourself and your family and give all the meat to the poor. It is better to leave the liver for yourself, following the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), who ate it from the meat of a sacrificial animal, as reported in “Sunanul Kubra Lil Bayhakiy” (3/283). If it is not possible to distribute completely, then the sunnah is not to keep more than 1/3 of the carcass for yourself. It is also sunnah to give at least 1/3 of the sacrifice as alms. Meat must be served raw. It is not enough to give fried, boiled meat, fat or fat tail, liver, and spleen to alms. The skin of the victim cannot (haram) be sold. Kurban is not cut for someone without his permission, even if this person has died. But scholars such as Kaffal and Ubadi bin Abul Hasan say that one can slaughter for a deceased relative, but all the meat must be distributed (“Nihayatul Mukhtaj”, No. 8/144).
When does sacrifice become obligatory?
A sacrifice becomes obligatory if someone has made nazra, i.e., obligated to slaughter or named some animal as his qurbani. For example, if he said that this ram will be slaughtered on Kurban Bayram, then this becomes an obligatory Kurbani (“Havashi Shirvani”, No. 9/356). In this case, the meat must be distributed completely. In order for the sacrifice not to become obligatory, it is necessary to use the word "desirable", that is, to say, pointing to the animal: “This is my desired Qurbani.”
