Why Eid-Ul Adha Is Celebrated, It’s Spiritual And Social Significance

News Commentary reminds muslims of the true essence of Eid Ul-Adha which are obedience and sacrifice as the festival is being celebrated today

Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is one of the most important and revered festivals in Islam celebrated annually by Muslims around the world. Known in Arabic as Eid al-Adha and often called Tabaski in parts of West Africa, this sacred festival occurs on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and continues for up to three days in most countries. Unlike Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, Eid-ul-Adha coincides with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca one of the five pillars of Islam. For Muslims, it is a powerful time of spiritual reflection, generosity, unity, and a renewal of the spirit of submission to Allah.  On the verge of sacrifice, Allah, in His mercy, replaced Ismail with a ram, sparing the boy’s life. This event is viewed not merely as a story, but as a deep symbol of unwavering faith, total submission to God’s will, and the mercy of Allah. The festival is a call to submit fully to God’s will and to be willing to let go of whatever distances us from Him. The festival also marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which is mandatory at least once in a lifetime for all able-bodied and financially capable Muslims. Those who perform Hajj enact the same act of sacrifice and follow in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim and his family. While not all Muslims can go on Hajj, Eid-ul-Adha connects the global Ummah (Muslim community) in a shared celebration of this sacred tradition. The act of sacrificing an animal and distributing its meat serves as a means to feed the hungry and support the poor. This reflects the Islamic value of zakat reminding Muslims that wealth is a blessing to be shared. On Eid, no person regardless of their status should go without food or kindness. Eid is a time when families gather to pray, eat, and celebrate together. Special congregational prayers are held in mosques or open grounds, followed by greetings of peace (Eid Mubarak), gift-giving, and visits to family and friends. It brings attention to inequality and reinforces the collective responsibility to uplift the vulnerable in society. Regardless of culture, ethnicity, or geography, Muslims around the world come together to celebrate this sacred event. It is a living expression of the global brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam.  While the act of sacrificing an animal is symbolic, the real sacrifice involves giving up bad habits, arrogance, greed, or anything that draws one away from righteousness. True sacrifice is internal and lifelong. Eid-ul-Adha is a beautiful and profound celebration that carries both historical and spiritual weight. It honors the deep devotion of Prophet Ibrahim and encourages every Muslim to internalize his spirit of obedience, selflessness, and trust in Allah. May this Eid-ul-Adha bring peace, joy, and spiritual renewal to all. Eid Mubarak. 

By: Ubaidatu Umar, a Journalist.

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