Thursday, October 25, 2012

History of Eid'ul Adha

Eid- ul- Adha is one of the most important Islamic holiday of the year.Eid-ul-Adha marks the end of Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. The hajj to Mecca is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation upon male and female adults whose health and means permit it, or, in the words of the Qur'an, upon "those who can make their way there." The history of Eid-ul-Adha can be traced back to the story which states that Abraham was instructed by Allah, in a dream, to raise the foundations of Kaaba,the most sacred shrine in Mecca. Muslims believe that even after undergoing a lot of trials and tribulations on his way to Mecca, God revealed in a dream to Abraham to sacrifice his son Isma’il.Abrahim and Isma’il set off to Mina for the sacrifice. As they went, the devil attempted to lead Abraham astray by disobeying God and not to sacrifice his beloved son. But Abraham remained unfaltered in his decision and true to God, and drove the devil away. As Abraham prepared to kill his son, God stopped him and gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead. Popularly known as the Festival of Sacrifice, this Muslim holiday Eid-ul-Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham’s unselfish act of sacrificing(Qurbani) his own son to the One God, Allah. The festival reminds everyone of the mercy and benefits bestowed upon mankind by Allah.

Muslims commemorate this outstanding act of sacrifice by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or a goat. When this is done, 1/3 of the meat goes to the needy people, 1/3 is given to neighbors and friends, and 1/3 stays with your family. People who are away from the holy pilgrimage, Hajj, also carry out this traditional sacrifice. This act also reminds the pilgrim to share worldly goods with those who are less fortunate, and serves as an offer of thanksgiving to God. People visit each other's homes and partake in festive meals with special dishes, beverages, and desserts. Children receive gifts and sweets on this happy occasion.

Eid ul-Adha occurs on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijja.But the date of Eid-ul-Adha depends on the visibility of the moon each year.
Read more at http://www.theholidayspot.com/eid_ul_adha/history.htm#WswAjx6my3jEYh1M.99

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Eid al-Adha

What is Eid al-Adha?

At the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca), Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). This year 2012, Eid al-Adha will begin on October 17th. October 26th will be Eid'ul Adha.

What does Eid al-Adha commemorate?

During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Abraham. The Qur'an describes Abraham as follows:

"Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121)

One of Abraham's main trials was to face the command of Allah to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah's will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superceded all others, that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.

Why do Muslims sacrifice an animal on this day?

During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.

Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. 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 willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.

It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37)

The symbolism is in the attitude - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah's commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.

What else do Muslims do to celebrate the holiday?

On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosques. Prayers are followed by visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts. At some point, members of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise will make arrangements for the slaughter of an animal. The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter.

Moonsighting for Dhul-Hijjah 1433

The official decision and announcement of the High Judiciary Council (HJC) of Saudi Arabia regarding the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah is that 1st of Dhul-Hijjah will be on Wednesday 17 October 2012, and the Muslims performing Hajj will be in 'Arafah on Thursday 25 October 2012 (9 Dhul-Hijjah 1433), and the Muslim Ummah shall be celebrating 'Eid al-Adhaa on Friday 26 October 2012, (10 Dhul-Hijjah 1433), insha-Allah.

12 Foods Which Beloved Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه واله وسلم) Liked And Their Benefits From Tib Al-Nabwi.

1. Barley ( جو jau):
Good in fever, while use in a soup form.

2. Dates ( کھجور ):
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه واله وسلم) said that a house without dates has no food. It should also be eaten at the time of childbirth.

3. Figs ( انجير ):
It is a fruit from paradise and a cure for piles.

4. Grapes ( انگور ):
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه واله وسلم) ) was very fond of grapes – it purifies the blood, provides vigour and health, strengthens the kidneys and clears the bowels.

5. Honey ( شہد ):
Considered the best remedy for diarrhoea when mixed in hot water. It is the food of foods, drink of drinks and drug of drugs. It is used for creating appetite, strengthening the stomach, eliminating phlegm; as a meat preservative, hair conditioner, eye soother and mouthwash. It is extremely beneficial in the morning in warm water.

6. Melon ( تربوز - خربوزا - سردا ):
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه واله وسلم) said: ‘None of your women who are pregnant and eat of water melon will fail to produce off spring that is good in countenance

7. Milk:
The Prophet(صلى الله عليه واله وسلم) said that milk wipes away heat from the heart just as the finger wipes away sweat from the brow. It strengthens the back, improved the brain, renews vision and drives away forgetfulness.

8. Mushroom ( کھمبي ):
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه واله وسلم) said that mushroom is a good cure for the eyes; it also serves as a form of birth control and arrests paralysis.

9. Olive Oil ( زيتون )
Excellent treatment for skin and hair, delays old age, and treats inflammation of the stomach.

10. Pomegranate ( انار ):
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه واله وسلم) said it cleanses you of Satan and evil aspirations for 40 days.

11. Vinegar ( سرکہ ):
A food Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to eat with olive oil.

12. Water ( پاني ):
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه واله وسلم) said the best drink in this world is water, when you are thirsty drink it by sips and not gulps, gulping produces sickness of the liver.