All praise is due to AlLāh, who perfected this religion for us, honoured this Ummah with seasons of mercy and worship, and legislated for His servants acts of devotion through which hearts are purified and souls are disciplined. May the peace and blessings of AlLāh be upon Prophet, his family, his Companions, and all those who follow his guidance until the Last Day.
As a Nigerian Muslim reflecting upon ‘Eidu-Adhā, I have come to realise that ‘Eidu-Adhā is far beyond a yearly celebration marked by food, clothing, and gatherings. Rather, it is one of the greatest symbols of submission, sacrifice, sincerity, and obedience to AlLāh {Subhāhūbwa Ta’ālā}. It revives the noble legacy of Prophet Ibrāhīm {‘Alayhis-Salām}, whose unwavering faith and total submission remain timeless lessons for every believer.
The Meaning of al Adhā
The word “Adhā” is connected to the act of sacrifice {udhiyah}, which forms one of the central rites of this blessed occasion. It is observed on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah immediately after the standing at ʿArafah during Hajj. Across the world, Muslims gather to glorify AlLāh through takbīr, prayer, sacrifice, charity, and mutual kindness.
AlLāh says in the Noble Qur’ān:
And for every nation We have appointed a rite of sacrifice so that they may mention the name of AlLāh over the livestock He has provided for them. {Qur’ān 22 Verse 34}
This verse clearly establishes that sacrifice is an ancient act of worship rooted in divine legislation and practised by previous nations before this Ummah.
The Origin of ‘Eidu-Adhā
The origin of ‘Eidu-Adhā is deeply connected to the remarkable story of Prophet Ibrāhīm {‘Alayhis Salām} and his son Ismāʿīl {‘Alayhis-Salām}. When AlLāh commanded Ibrāhīm in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, he submitted completely to the command of his Lord. Likewise, Ismāʿīl responded with patience and obedience.
AlLāh says:
Then when they had both submitted and he laid him down upon his forehead, We called out to him: ‘O Ibrāhīm, you have fulfilled the vision. {Qur’ān 37, Verses 103-105}
Whenever I reflect upon this event, I realise that the essence of Islām itself lies in surrendering one’s desires, emotions, and attachments for the sake of AlLāh.
The Status Of ‘Eidu-adhā In Islām
The Messenger of AlLāh ﷺ established two annual festivals for the Muslim Ummah: ‘Eidul-Fitr and ‘Eidu-Adhā.
Anas ibn Mālik {RadiyalLāhu ‘anhu) narrated that when the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Madīnah, the people had two days during which they celebrated. The Prophet ﷺ said:
Indeed, AlLāh has replaced them for you with two better days: the Day of al-Fitr and the Day of al-Adhā.”(Sunan Abī Dāwūd)
This tells that the two ‘Eids are not merely social traditions but acts of worship and gratitude to AlLāh.
The Views of the Four Madhāhib Regarding the Sacrifice
One of the most important juristic discussions concerning ‘Eidu-Adhā relates to the ruling of the udhiyah (sacrifice).
i. The Hanafī Madhhab
The scholars of the Abū Hanīfa school considered the sacrifice obligatory (wājib) upon every financially capable Muslim resident who possesses wealth beyond his essential needs.
They relied upon the narration of the Prophet ﷺ:
Whoever has the means to sacrifice but does not do so, let him not approach our prayer place.”{Sunan Ibn Mājah}
The Hanafī jurists viewed this narration as evidence of strong obligation.
ii. The Mālikī Madhhab
The scholars of the Mālik ibn Anas madhhab regarded the sacrifice as Sunnah Muʾakkadah, meaning a highly emphasised Sunnah strongly encouraged for those capable of performing it.
Imām Mālik {RahimahulLāh} disliked abandoning the sacrifice without excuse due to its importance as one of the outward symbols of Islām.
iii. The Shāfiʿī Madhhab
According to the school of Imām Shāfi’i, the sacrifice is likewise Sunnah Muʾakkadah and not individually obligatory. However, they strongly encouraged Muslims not to neglect it when financially able.
Imām al-Shāfiʿī {RahimahulLāh} emphasised preserving the visible acts of worship that strengthen the identity of the Muslim community.
iv. The Hanbalī Madhhab
The scholars of the Ahmad ibn Hanbal school held two opinions, though the most famous position considers the sacrifice Sunnah Muʾakkadah for the capable Muslim.
Nevertheless, Imām Ahmad {RahimahulLāh} considered it among the greatest rites of Islām and strongly encouraged Muslims to uphold it.
Despite their differences concerning its precise legal ruling, the four madhāhib unanimously agree upon the greatness and importance of the udhiyah.
The Wisdom Behind the Sacrifice
The sacrifice is not simply the slaughtering of animals. Its true essence lies in sincerity, obedience, and taqwā.
AlLāh says:
Neither their meat nor their blood reaches AlLāh, but what reaches Him is your piety {taqwā}. {Qur’ān 22, Verse 37}
This verse always reminds us that outward rituals alone are not sufficient. What truly matters is the sincerity of the heart and consciousness of AlLāh. The sacrifice also promotes generosity and social solidarity. Families share meat with relatives, neighbours, and the poor.
In many Nigerian Muslim communities, ‘Eidu-Adhā strengthens relationships, encourages charity, and revives communal love.
The ‘Eid Prayer According to the JuristsThe scholars differed regarding the precise ruling of the ‘Eid prayer:
i. The Hanafīs regarded it as wājib.
ii. The Mālikīs and Shāfiʿīs viewed it as Sunnah Muʾakkadah.
iii. The Hanbalīs considered it a communal obligation (fardu kifāyah), while some scholars considered it individually obligatory.
Despite these differences, all scholars agreed that the ʿEd prayer is among the greatest public symbols of Islām.
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged men, women, and even young girls to attend the gathering of ‘Eid, demonstrating its significance within Muslim society.
Takbīr During ‘Eidu-Adhā
One of the beautiful aspects of these blessed days is the abundant remembrance of AlLāh through takbīr:
“AlLāhu Akbar, AlLāhu Akbar,
Lā ilāha ilLā AlLāh.
AlLāhu Akbar, AlLāhu Akbar,
wa lilLāhil-damd.”
AlLāh says:
And remember AlLāh during the appointed days. (Qur’ān 2, Verse 203)
The sound of takbīr during these days fills the heart with humility, gratitude, and remembrance of the greatness of AlLāh.
Contemporary Reflections
As I reflect upon ‘Eidu-Adhā in our present time, I realise that many people have reduced it to fashion, food, social media display, and worldly celebration, while neglecting its deeper spiritual lessons.
The real essence of ‘Eidu-Adhā is not found merely in expensive clothing or public display. Rather, it lies in reviving the spirit of Prophet Ibrāhīm {‘Alayhis-Salām}: sincerity, sacrifice, patience, obedience, and trust in AlLāh.
Sacrifice today is not limited to slaughtering animals alone. Sometimes sacrifice means abandoning sins, controlling desires, striving for halāl sustenance, seeking knowledge patiently, obeying parents, and remaining steadfast upon the religion despite societal pressure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘Eidu-Adhā remains one of the greatest manifestations of devotion and unity in Islām. Rooted in the legacy of Prophet Ibrāhīm {‘Alayhis-Salām}, it teaches believers the realities of obedience, sacrifice, sincerity, and compassion. The four madhāhib, despite minor juristic differences, unanimously recognised the greatness of this blessed occasion and the importance of preserving its rites according to the Qur’ān and Sunnah.
As I continue to reflect upon the meaning of ‘Eidu-Adhā, I realise that its lessons extend far beyond a single day of celebration. It is a lifelong reminder that true faith requires sacrifice, sincerity, and complete submission to AlLāh.
May Almighty AlLāh accept our sacrifices, forgive our shortcomings, strengthen our eemān, and allow us to embody the sincerity and obedience of Prophet Ibrāhīm {‘Alayhis-Salām}.
Was Salāmu ‘Alaykum WarahmatulLāhi wa Barakātuh.
Abiola Rokeeb (ABROK)
