Muslims observe Eid al-Adha, honouring Prophet Abraham’s sacrifice

Muslims in Guyana today observed Eid al-Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice”, honouring the willingness of Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Ismail, to please God.

Imam Mansoor Baksh, the imam of Masjid Darus Salaam, which serves as the national headquarters of the Guyana Ahmadiyya Anjuman, told Ignite News that the first act of Eid is the congregational prayer, which is said shortly after sunrise.

This is followed by a sermon.

“Every Muslim, male or female regardless of condition is required to be present for the Eid sermon. After the sermon, the animals are sacrificed and the meat distributed,” he said, pointing out that “Eid ul-Adha is the grandest event on the Islamic calendar. It is the biggest day for the Muslims. It is the day of great blessings. And this day is observed in commemoration of that great sacrifice that was done by the Prophet Abraham, May Allah be pleased with him.”

After prayers, animals are sacrificed and the meat is distributed. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, used to donate the skins to widows and orphans.

“So that is supposed to be given for them. The meat is distributed according to the tradition. One third for poor, and normally the Jamaats would take care of that. And then the individual is required to give one third to his family and friends. And then he is expected to keep one third for his household. So that’s how it is done. So this Eid is really in commemoration of that sacrifice that was done by the Prophet Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his only son, his only son, Prophet Ismail, to please God and God give him in return this great sacrifice, this great honour, this great remembrance. And today we remember this across the world,” the imam told this publication.

Eid al-Adha reminds Muslims of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God’s command. According to scripture, as Abraham was about to carry out the sacrifice, a ram appeared in the place of his son.