Qatar Prepares for Eidul Adha 2014 - The Day of Sacrifice!

Photo by  Ala Al Herz

Dhul Hijjah 

Dhul Hijjah is the last month of the Islamic Calendar.  The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah (Which we are in now) is the best days of the whole year as good deeds done during these days are most beloved to God Almighty.

These are days we can seek self-improvement, knowledge and gain blessings. We can increase acts of charity, kindness, helping family or friends, forgiving and trying to act upon our knowledge. Muslims around the world take advantage of these blessed days and engage in Prayers, Fasting, supplication, Remembering Allaah by glorifying and praising Him, reading and memorizing the Qur'aan, and increasing in worship.

Hajj - Pilgrimage

There are 5 pillars in Islam. Hajj is the fifth and final pillar of Islam. It is the pilgrimage to Makkah, in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam. All Muslims must attempt to do this at least once in their life, if they have the finance and health to do so.

The pilgrims wear simple white clothes called “Ihram” which symbolizes that everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah.

Hajj begins on the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah

8th day of Dhul Hijjah: Millions of people travel to Makkah to Mina, they stay in tents in Mina and do acts of worship.

9th Dhul Hijjah: Everyone leaves Mina and goes to Arafat, the day is spent praying to Allah asking for forgiveness on behalf of others and themselves.This is the day that the pilgrims stand on the plain of Arafah and make supplication to Allaah. It is highly recommended for non pilgrims to fast on this day as the reward for fasting is the expiation of the minor sins of the previous year and the coming year! 

At night they travel to Muzdalifah, dhikr, prayer and collecting small pebbles to be used on the next day is done.

10th Dhul Hijjah: The stones they collected the night before are used to throw at pillars, the pillars represent the temptations of Satan and the stones represent Prophet Ibraheem's rejection of Satan and his will to remain with faith.

After this, the pilgrims sacrifice an animal, a sheep or goat, and the meat is given to the poor. This act shows their willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Allaah. All Muslims Celebrate the Eidul Adha on this day.

The pilgrims return to Makkah and complete circumambulations 7 times around the Ka’aba and the running between the two hills safa and marwa 7 times. This is done in remembrance of Abraham’s (Ibraheem's) wife Hajar, who desperately searched in the area for water for herself and her son, before a spring welled up in the desert for her.

The pilgrims also drink from this ancient spring, known as Zamzam.

On the 11th,12th and the 13th of Dhul Hijjah pilgrims stay in Mina and Stone the pillars.

Stoning Pillar - Jamarat

With this Hajj is completed, they leave with a renewed faith.

Eidul Adha

“One of Abraham's main trials was to face the command of Allah and sacrifice 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 superseded others and he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.” 

Eid Adha means to “sacrifice”. Remembering the Sacrifice of Ibraheem has  now become a celebration of sacrifice, and this reminds not only to sacrifice an animal, but to sacrifice our sins, our temptations and sacrifice ourselves to become better people to please our Lord!

One-third of the sacrificed meat is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor.

  

Qataris Celebrating Eidul Adha

On the morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local prayer grounds or mosques. Prayers are followed by visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts.

Everyone visits the grandparents home, this means extended family also. A lot of children and a lot of food, the entire family gathers to congratulate each other and spend time together.

Machboos (rice) is usually the main dish served with lamb, fish or chicken. Everyone sits on the floor, and the food is centered, food is eaten by the hand and everyone sits together. A wonderful feeling and atmosphere indeed.

That's delicious! Our sincere thanks to See My Culture for taking the time to share the info! Additionally they also came up with some of the Arabic Words and meanings that are commonly used during Eid! Try using them and impress others!

Salam: سلام

Hajj: حج

Charity: صدقة  (Sadaqa)

Journey: رحلة (Rahlat)

Prayer: صلاة   (Salah)

Lamb: خروف  (kharoof)

Tent: خيمة (khaima)

Faith: الإيمان (Iman)

Holiday: عطلة (A'tla)

Eid Mubarak: عيد مبارك‎ ( Said to wish everyone a great Eid )

  

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See My Culture is a group of Local Volunteers who aim to bridge the gap between the locals and the expats in Qatar through various interesting events. Follow them on Twitter and keep track of their events. Details of See My Culture could be found at www.rush360.qa by searching for "See My Culture".