Holy Offerings and Heartfelt Embraces: This is How Millions of Muslims Celebrate the Moving Festival of Sharing
The heart of the Festival of Sacrifice is the remembrance of the story of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). God tested him and asked him to sacrifice his son. When Ibrahim was ready to follow this difficult command, God intervened and allowed him to sacrifice an animal instead. This story symbolically represents faith, obedience, and God's grace.
More Than Just a Sacrifice: The Meaning of Sharing
The name "Festival of Sacrifice" comes from the Arabic word "kurban," which means "closeness" or "offering." It is about getting closer to God. A central custom is the ritual slaughter of an animal (often a sheep, cow, or goat). The meat is traditionally divided into three parts: one part for one's own family, one part for friends and relatives, and a large part for those in need.
The Heart of the Festival: Community and Generosity
This is where the deep social dimension of the festival is evident. It is a time of immense generosity. Sharing with the poor and needy is a central idea and an important pillar of Islam. It is about showing gratitude and not forgetting those who are less fortunate.
How the Festival of Sacrifice is Celebrated
The celebrations often begin with a special festival prayer in the mosque in the morning. Afterwards, families and friends gather. It is a time for visits, shared meals, the distribution of gifts, especially to children, and of course, the communal eating of the sacrificial animal's meat. The atmosphere is festive, marked by togetherness and joy. People wish each other "Eid Mubarak" (Blessed Festival) or "Kurban Bayramınız mübarek olsun."
A Festival of Connection
The Festival of Sacrifice reminds Muslims every year of the importance of faith, obedience, generosity, and community. It is a period that is all about coming together, both within the family and with the wider community, and shows how important it is to share with and support one another.
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.