Eid al-Adha and its special rituals in Islam are related to an amazing event that has been mentioned in the Quran.
Eid Al-Adha; Purifying Heart from Everything But God
A father is ordered to sacrifice his son, but God then orders him to stop doing it and sacrifice an animal instead, giving an everlasting message to the followers of divine faiths throughout history.
The tenth day of the lunar Hijri month of Dhul Hajja makrs Eid al-Adha, a great Islamic festival. Centuries ago on this day, God ordered Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail, a son given to him in his old age. How the father and the son reacted to this divine order is amazing.
The messenger of God, whose Ikhlas (pure intention) is a model and an example for followers of different faiths, started to carry out the divine command but God sent Angel Jibraeil (Gabriel) to tell Ibrahim to replace Ismail with a ram.
This story is mentioned in verses 99 to 109 of Surah As-Saaffat.
“That was indeed a clear trial. So, We ransomed him with a mighty sacrifice, and We let it (the beautiful praise) remain upon him in the latter (generations), Peace be on Ibrahim.” (Verses 106-109)
What is certain is that in the first and second divine commands there is a Hikmah (wisdom) that shows the action of sacrificing Ismail was not the aim but the purpose was to test Ibrahim (AS) and reveal his Ikhlas.
Some believe that with this event, the message was conveyed to humanity that abandon sacrificing humans that was common in some tribes and places and instead give it spiritual and social aspects, for example by leaving dependence on worldly things like wealth and children.
The main message of this event is purifying one’s heart and actions for God.
The tradition of sacrificing animals is implemented every year on Eid al-Adha during the Hajj rituals. Those who make the Hajj pilgrimage are required to sacrifice a Halal four-legged animal.
It is also Mustahab (recommended) that other Muslims also carry out this tradition, with some scholars saying it is Wajib (obligatory) for those who can afford it. It is also Mustahab to eat some meat of the sacrificed animal after the Eid prayers.
It is recommended that Muslim recite this prayer when sacrificing the animal on Eid al-Adha:
“I have turned my face to Him who has created the heavens and the earth, uprightly, and I am not among the idolaters.’” (Surah Al-An’am, verse 79)
“Say: ‘My prayers and my worship (for example, pilgrimage and sacrifice), my life and my death, are all for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. He has no partner, with that I am commanded, and I am the first of the submitters (Muslims).’” (Surah Al-An’am, verses 162-3)
O Allah! This is Your grant and for You. In the Name of Allah and Allahu Akbar. O Allah! Accept this from me.”
source:iqna