The Spiritual Essence of Eid al-Adha

Islam prescribes two major festivals each year as obligatory celebrations for the faithful. These are not mere social events, but golden opportunities granted by the Almighty Allah to attain divine blessings through prescribed acts of worship. The human spirit naturally longs for celebration, yet life’s responsibilities and hardships often make it difficult to indulge in joy without reason. In His mercy, Almighty Allah has granted us these special days, allowing moments of joy even amidst life’s trials.

A true believer should be able to draw spiritual nourishment from these occasions, no matter the stage or state of life they are in. One does not need to engage in risky comparisons to understand how Islamic festivals differ from other celebrations. The distinction is clear, and it is precisely this uniqueness that gives Eid its spiritual vitality. The Islamic festivals are deeply rooted in a spiritual context that continues to inspire and ignite the hearts of believers across generations. Rooted in spiritual consciousness, Eid also embraces the human inclination toward beauty and celebration, offering a framework where aesthetics and adornment are refined within the limits of faith.

Eid al-Fitr is a celebration that marks the successful completion of a month-long act of profound worship: fasting during Ramadan. After thirty days of abstaining from food, drink, and other comforts during daylight hours, and engaging in increased acts of charity and devotion, Eid arrives as a moment of divine reward. The fast was not just a physical restriction, but a temporary pause on many permissible things, undertaken solely for the sake of Allah. Eid, then, becomes a moment of release—a transition from restraint to a graceful return to what is allowed, now enriched with gratitude and renewed faith. Interestingly, actions that were prohibited during fasting hours become not only permitted but even rewarded during Eid. For this reason, fasting on the day of Eid is itself forbidden; it is a day meant to enjoy the blessings granted.

Eid al-Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is likewise deeply connected to a significant form of worship. Unlike fasting, however, not everyone is able to perform this act—it is tied to the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj. Yet even for those who are not on pilgrimage, Eid al-Adha serves as a reminder of devotion, sacrifice, and submission to Allah’s command.

Pilgrims from across the world converge in the sacred land to perform one of the most profound rites of Hajj: standing at Arafat. This moment, known as the Day of Arafah, is a pinnacle of spiritual elevation. As the pilgrims gather in humility and devotion, Muslims around the globe join in spirit by fasting on this blessed day—a fast known to carry immense reward.

Those who stand in the plains of Arafat are immersed in a unique atmosphere of deep spirituality. The sheer intensity of the experience makes it difficult for them to transition suddenly into outward celebration. Their hearts remain steeped in remembrance and surrender, gaining spiritual rewards rather than engaging in festive scenes. This is why Islamic teachings do not prescribe celebratory rituals for pilgrims on Eid in the same way as for others.

However, there is one exception—the act of sacrifice. Even this, though, is not just symbolic for pilgrims; they are granted the rare honor of performing it at the very place where the history of sacrifice was first etched in faith. It is an extraordinary opportunity to relive the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) right at its geographical and spiritual origin.

After uniting with the pilgrims through the shared act of fasting on the Day of Arafah, the global Muslim community transitions into the observance of Eid al-Adha. In contrast to Eid al-Fitr, which is preceded by a month of personal spiritual striving through fasting, Eid al-Adha is marked more by symbolism and collective unity. Its essence is not tied to any individual achievement, but rather to a shared remembrance—a historical and spiritual bond with a family whose unwavering submission to Allah shaped the very spirit of sacrifice.

The soul of Eid al-Adha is deeply connected to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), his son Ismail (peace be upon him), and their ultimate act of devotion. Each year, Muslims remember and relive that legacy, not merely by performing rituals, but by awakening the spirit of submission and trust that defined that family’s life. This remembrance breathes life into the celebration, giving it a depth that transcends time and geography.

The spiritual energy of Eid does not isolate—it envelops. It reaches the poor and the wealthy, the sorrowful and the joyful, the sick and the healthy, men and women alike. No personal hardship, grief, or struggle can stand in the way of partaking in the blessings of Eid. For the rituals of Eid are not restricted by worldly circumstances; they are acts of the heart, accessible to all who carry faith.

The takbeerat (glorifications of Allah) and the Eid prayers performed on this day are acts of worship that any believer, regardless of sorrow or circumstance, can fulfill and earn reward through. Yet, it is not uncommon to see people who, faced with grief or hardship, withdraw from celebration altogether. Some even question: “What Eid? What celebration?” and choose to isolate themselves from the occasion.

But a believer must never take such a stance. Observing the prescribed acts of Eid, to the extent one is able, is an expression of obedience, not merely a matter of mood. Eid is not about doing something to mark the day—it is about attaining something through those actions. Those who emerge from the Eid prayer are not just part of a communal gathering; they are recipients of divine mercy and forgiveness.

To deny oneself these blessings solely due to sorrow is to risk missing out on a moment of grace that may never return. In Islam, mourning practices are limited, especially when it comes to public expressions of grief. Only a widow is permitted an extended mourning period. The believer’s path is one of patience and resilience.

One of the most beautiful features of Eid is how it elevates certain allowable practices to the level of spiritual significance without compromising the spiritual essence. Things commonly seen in celebrations—such as good food, fine clothing, and beauty—take on a dignified, purposeful form in Islam. To wear clean, fresh clothes, to prepare and enjoy good meals, to apply pleasant fragrances, and to bring joy to children—these are not indulgences, but acts of reward when done within the framework of gratitude and moderation.

However, one must always remember: nothing that is forbidden becomes permissible in the name of Eid. The joy of Eid must always be aligned with the values of faith.

As previously emphasized, our actions must serve to amplify goodness and make it more meaningful and impactful. When that is achieved, even the simplest acts become vessels of Eid’s spiritual energy. On no other day of the year does a believer’s clothing or meal attain the same spiritual merit as on Eid. The blessings of Eid are unique to Eid.

Today, fine clothing and abundant food have become common in many parts of the world, and their availability may seem ordinary compared to the past. But this should never become a reason to dismiss the significance of Eid. The day retains its sanctity not because of what we wear or eat, but because of the meaning we attach to those acts when they are done in gratitude, humility, and obedience.

On this special day, a believer should wear garments that are both beautiful and appropriate—not simply for fashion, but as an act of devotion. The act of dressing well on Eid is itself a form of worship. The same applies to food. Streets and restaurants may be beautifully decorated, offering exquisite dishes, but that alone does not define Eid. What matters is the intention behind our preparation and consumption.

Eid meals should not be neglected or reduced to routine. They should reflect care, abundance, and gratitude, prepared with the body, mind, and soul in harmony. Eid is not just about what we do, but how we do it and why. When these elements come together, Eid becomes not only a celebration but also a deeply spiritual renewal.

It is deeply saddening to witness a growing trend that celebrates Eid without truly understanding its spiritual essence. In many places, even the core rituals of Eid are being drawn into a culture of commercialization and, at times, questionable practices. The congregational prayer—intended as a solemn act of devotion—is sometimes reduced to mere crowd-gathering events, devoid of the structure and sanctity it deserves. Similarly, the charitable obligations of Zakat and the sacred act of sacrifice (Qurbani) are increasingly treated as logistical burdens to be “risk-managed” through impersonal and careless distributions, stripping these acts of their profound spiritual and communal impact.

Islam does not merely command actions; it provides clear guidance on how those actions are to be performed. The method is as important as the deed itself. Each ritual in Islam is not just a ceremony but a conscious act of worship. Therefore, it must be carried out with precision, sincerity, and alignment with the Prophetic example.

Another key Sunnah related to the Eid al-Adha celebration is Uloohiyyah (Qurbani), which emphasizes the centrality of Allah’s exclusive worship. This, like other religious acts, follows a prescribed method laid out by Islamic jurisprudence. However, out of convenience, certain practices risk deviating from these prescribed methods, which can be spiritually problematic. It is crucial to handle such rituals with care and precision. The act of sacrifice should be carried out exactly as directed. While the convenience of the giver or the receiver may be considered, it should not compromise the sanctity of the ritual. Often, obligatory or voluntary charity is reduced to a mere exchange, missing the deeper spiritual significance. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and mindful in our actions.

The wearing and gifting of clothes during Eid is another well-known practice. The dress should not only be beautiful, but also modest and appropriate as part of the spiritual value of Eid. Organizing and preparing for such occasions should be done in accordance with Islamic principles, avoiding any practices that contradict these values. For instance, promoting immodest fashion in the name of Eid contradicts its true spirit. Eid is an opportunity for both guests and hosts to earn reward by showing hospitality, but that reward can be lost if boundaries are crossed.

There is a growing trend to overindulge in the freedoms that Eid offers, which leads to excessive and inappropriate behavior. This trend should be carefully avoided, especially within our families. The joy of Eid must not become a pretext for indulging in harmful practices.

Eid should be a day for spiritual nourishment, and we should express gratitude to Allah by celebrating in a manner that honors the essence of the day. If we treat it as a mere excuse for indulgence, it loses its value and becomes something trivial. The heart of a believer should remain open to goodness and free from negative emotions during these times. Our celebrations should reflect this purity of spirit, ensuring that we do not allow uncontrolled behaviors to mar the sanctity of the day.

On the night of Eid and in the days leading up to it, the act of Takbeer (the glorification of Allah) strengthens the faith of the believer. Although the Takbeer was once resonantly recited by small groups of children in the mosque, it should now be practiced with greater intention—both within the mosque and at home. This should not be limited to small, isolated recitations but should be a family-wide activity, involving both adults and children together. By doing this, we can transform the entire night into an uplifting experience of praise without any distractions. This practice has immense spiritual benefits.

Every Eid should be a time for us to increase goodness, love, and harmony. Let us focus on saying Takbeer with enthusiasm, wearing new clothes with spiritual intent, ensuring modesty over fashion, and carrying out the ritual acts such as prayer and charity properly. For men, prayers in the mosque, and for women, prayers at home, should be performed with devotion. Cooking and sharing food, using fragrance in accordance with the Sunnah, visiting family and friends, and exchanging Eid greetings—all these actions make up the holistic celebration of Eid, ensuring that it remains a day of spiritual richness for us.

K SAYYID MUBASHIR HADHI, UPPALA

(Student, Ma’din Kulliyya of Islamic Science)