Id-ul-Adha & Id-ul-Fitr | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Introduction

Commonly referred to as the Festival of Sacrifice or Greater Eid, Id ul-Adha holds a central place in the Islamic calendar as its most significant event.

• This four-day celebration commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
• It signals the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage and provides an opportunity for Muslims worldwide to unite in worship and festivity, particularly since it is observed as a public holiday in many nations.
• The festival commences with congregational prayers at a mosque, where a communal service takes place, and a sermon is delivered focusing on themes of sacrifice and devotion to Allah.
• Families come together to exchange money, cards, and gifts, purchase or craft new clothing, and share meals.
• An animal is sacrificed and its meat is divided into three portions: one for relatives or neighbors, one for the poor, and one for the family.

Origins and Importance of Id ul-Adha

• The festival honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Isma’il, in submission to God’s command.
• In a dream, Ibrahim received a divine instruction to sacrifice Isma’il.
• He shared this vision with his son, saying, “My son, I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you,” to which Isma’il responded, “O my father, do as you are commanded” (Qur’an 37:102).
• Both agreed to fulfill the divine will.
• At the moment of sacrifice, Allah intervened, instructing Ibrahim to offer a ram instead of his son.
• This event is regarded as a test of Ibrahim’s loyalty and devotion to Allah.
• Today, Muslims sacrifice a sheep or goat, sharing the meat with family, friends, and the less fortunate.
• In the UK, where animal sacrifice is prohibited, Muslims may request a butcher to perform this ritual on their behalf.
• The story of Ibrahim serves as a reminder of the importance of sacrifice and obedience to Allah.
• It also highlights God’s compassion, expressed through acts of sharing and kindness.
• The Qur’an (22:37) emphasizes that the act of sacrifice is not about the animal’s meat reaching God but about the piety and devotion of the individual, stating, “Their meat will not reach God…but what reaches Him is piety from you.”

Id-ul-Fitr - Origins & Significance

• Id ul-Fitr, also known as the Lesser Eid, signifies the breaking of the fast and marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
• It is considered a reward for Muslims who have demonstrated self-discipline by fasting throughout Ramadan.
• The festival begins with the sighting of the new moon.
• In the UK, where cloudy skies may obscure the moon, Muslims often rely on sightings reported from other countries to determine the start of the celebration.
• The festivities may last from one to three days.
• Muslims gather in mosques or large open spaces for special prayers.
• The imam’s sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and resolving conflicts.
• Several traditions are observed during the festival:
  • People wear their finest clothes.
  • Homes are adorned with decorations.
  • Special foods are prepared and enjoyed.
  • Processions may occur in some communities.
  • Cards and gifts are exchanged.
  • Women decorate their hands with henna.
  • Special biscuits are baked.
  • Men attend mosque services.
  • Families visit one another.
  • Children receive gifts.
  • Cemeteries are visited to honor deceased loved ones.
• Muslims greet each other with “Id Mubarak,” meaning “Id blessings.”
• During this time, Muslims also pay Zakat-ul-Fitr, a special charity given to the poor to ensure that even those in poverty can enjoy a hearty meal during the festival.
• The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stated, “The fasting of the month of fasting will be hanging between earth and heavens and it will not be raised up to the Divine Presence without paying the Zakat al-Fitr.”

Significance of Id ul-Fitr

Id ul-Fitr acknowledges the revelation of the Qur’an during Ramadan and serves several purposes:

• It celebrates the completion of sawm, the fourth pillar of Islam.
• It expresses gratitude to God for granting the strength to complete the fast and for providing wisdom and guidance.
• It fosters unity within the Muslim community, strengthening the ummah.
• It promotes community togetherness, often including special events that invite participation from people of other faiths.
• It emphasizes the importance of charity and remembering those who are less fortunate.