Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

The world Muslims celebrate the long-awaited holiday Eid al-Adha (Gurban bayrami) as a major holiday.

This year, Azerbaijan is celebrating Eid al-Adha on October 4-5. October 4 is the holiday eve, while October 5 is celebrated as Gurban holiday.

The religious ritual of sacrifice dates back to the pre-Islam era. New details of the ritual emerged in the Islamic world after the second year of the Hijrah (the year when Prophet Muhammad moved from Mecca to Medina).

Gurban holiday means getting closer to God and strengthening Islamic symbols like keeping brotherhood in society, keeping alive the spirit of cooperation and solidarity and contribution to the realization of social justice. In particular, helping those who can't afford to buy meat is one of the main importance of this sacred holiday.

The story of Eid Al-Adha was originally about a testing of Prophet Ibrahim's faith by Allah when Prophet Ibrahim was commanded by God, in a form of a dream vision, to sacrifice his son, Ismail.

But while he was sacrificing his son, God sent to him the Angel Gabriel with a ram. Gabriel informed Ibrahim that his dream vision was fulfilled and instructed him to sacrifice the ram instead of his son.

It is very important to understand that the sacrifice, 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 previous generations. Quran says: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him."

On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosques.

Gurban holiday reminds us not to forget about some of good habits, visiting relatives and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts.

There are several conditions required for sacrifice. First of all, the animal to be sacrificed should be absolutely healthy. Sick animals are not suitable for sacrifice. Camels, buffaloes, bulls or cows, sheep and goats can be offered as the sacrifice.

Islam pays great attention to the rules pertaining to slaughtering animals. Protecting animals from pain and undue suffering is paramount. Prophet Muhammad said: "God has ordained kindness (and excellence) in everything. If the killing (of animals) is to be done, do it in the best manner, and when you slaughter, do it in the best manner by first sharpening the knife, and putting the animal at ease."

Furthermore, the meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly divided into three parts. One-third is donated to the poor or the needy, one-third is eaten immediate by family, relatives and friends, and only one-third a Muslim could leave himself.

To sell ​​the meat of the sacrificed animal is considered as haram (sin).

In a nutshell, Eid-al-Adha is a time for Muslims to learn the value of self-denial; a personal sacrifice by sharing their limited means of survival with the poorer members of their community.

In this sacred holiday, may the God accept all your prayers!