Eid Ul Adha 2023 Holidays in Pakistan

Eid Ul Adha is a religious festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide. The Islamic celebration of Eid Ul Adha commemorates the eagerness of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) to offer his son Hazrat Ismail (A.S) as a sacrifice in devotion to Allah. It was merely a trial from Allah Almighty to test the strength of the faith of Ibrahim. Muslims sacrifice their beloved animals, cows or sheep, to honor this day and Ibrahim’s sacrifice. Eid Ul Adha is a time of joy and happiness, and it’s a chance for Muslims to remember the importance of submission to Allah.

Celebrated by Muslims worldwide, Eid Al Adha is a time of reflection and Prayer. It’s also a time for families to come together and celebrate. In addition to preparing special meals, people exchange gifts frequently.

When is Eid Ul Adha 2023

Celebrated on the 10th day of the last month of the Islamic calendar, Dhu-al-Hijjah, the meaning of Eid Ul Adha is the ”Festival of Sacrifice”. Eid ul Azha is a day to reflect on the teachings of Islam, that if we fully submit ourselves to the commandments of Allah Almighty, He will surely provide us with many of His blessings. 

One of the two major religious celebrations in the Islamic calendar is Eid Ul Adha, and the other is Eid-ul-Fitr. Eid Al Adha 2023 is one of the most important Muslim holidays, and every Muslim nation in the globe offers three days off to celebrate this occasion. Muslims will mark the first two days of the Eid Ul Adha 2023 Holidays in Pakistan on 29 and 30th June, while the 3rd day will start on 1st July 2023. This post will discuss how Muslims in Pakistan celebrate this heartwarming Islamic festival and learn about Eid al Adha Greetings. 

Native Names/ Pronunciation

Celebrating Eid Ul Adha 2023 Holidays in Pakistan involves much religious zeal and general festivity. Each country and person has its way of sending Eid Al Adha Greetings and saying Eid Ul Adha Wishes.

Since Eid ul Azha can continue up to three days in a row, Eid Al Adha 2023 is also known as “Bari Eid” (Big Eid) in Pakistan. Other names of Eid Al Adha are “Bakra Eid” and “Eid-e-Qurban.” The Arabic word “Bakra” is for “The Cow.” Eid ul Azha is famous for the native name of Bakra Eid because Muslims sacrifice various animals on this occasion, including Cows, lambs, goats, and camels. The meaning of Eid-e-Qurban is ”Eid of Sacrifice”. As people prepare different mouthwatering mutton and beef dishes on this occasion, another name for Eid ul Azha is ”Meaty Eid.”

In Persian-speaking countries like Afghanistan, Iran, and other areas where this language is prevalent, such as the Indian subcontinent, some pronunciations and writing expressions of Eid al-Adha are Eid ul Azha, Eid al-Azha, and Eidul Azha.

Background of Eid Al Adha 2023

Do you know the story of Ibrahim and Ismail? It is both heart-wrenching and fascinating at the same time. The history of celebrating Eid ul Azha dates back to the time of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S), when he faced numerous heart-wrenching challenges. The most beloved person for him in the whole world was his only son, Hazrat Ismail (A.S). According to historical facts, Hazrat Ibrahim constantly visualized his dreams of sacrificing his beloved son with his own hands. Hazrat Ibrahim was aware that this was another challenge from Allah Almighty to test his steadfastness. As narrated in the Holy Quran, Hazrat Ibrahim informed his son, ”Oh beloved Son, I am having nightmares that I am slaughtering you”. Upon listening to this, Hazrat Ismail replied smilingly, ”Father, do whatever Allah commands you. Indeed, you will find me determined in the path of Allah.” To submit to the commandments of Allah and prove his devotion to Allah, Ibrahim sacrificed his son in Allah’s name. 

Ibrahim placed his son on his forehead to carry out Allah’s order. He was about to slaughter his son when he heard the voice of Angel Jibreel from heaven, calling him, “O’ Ibrahim, you have succeeded in this trial.” Allah the Almighty honored Ibrahim and Ismail after recognizing that Ibrahim was ready to sacrifice his son for Allah’s love. They were indeed the faithful servants of Allah. Prophet Ibrahim was given a lamb from heaven to slay in place of Ismail by Angel Jibreel. That is why Bakra Eid knows Eid ul Azha. Bakra Eid is a day of celebration for Muslims worldwide to honor Ibrahim’s commitment and Ismail’s perseverance. 

Why Do Muslims Celebrate Eid ul Adha?

Muslims celebrate Eid ul Azha to commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim’s complete dedication to Allah Almighty and his unwavering obedience. When he was ready to sacrifice his son, Allah Almighty replaced him with a lamb. This act of obedience was because Allah SWT wanted Prophet Ibrahim’s faith tested – at this time, he passed with flying colors. That is why Eid-ul-Adha means sacrifice. Eid Al Adha 2023 is a time to acknowledge that we can only succeed in this world and the day of judgment if we obey the commandments of Allah without any question. 

What is the Meaning of Eid ul Adha?

Derived from the Arabic word ”Ed”, the meaning of the word ”Eid” is Feast, Holiday, or Festival. The literal meaning of Eid is habitual. It also means to return, to repeat. In short, it means an event that is recurring or repeating. Muslims encounter the blessed festival of Eid ul Azha every year, and Eid brings happiness to their lives. Adha and Qurban have the same meanings in Arabic as “sacrifice” (animal sacrifice), libation, and offers. Adha means “to immolate; to offer up; to sacrifice; to offer thanks.” That is why Eid ul Azha is known as the Festival of Sacrifice. 

How Many Days is Eid ul Adha Celebrated?

Saudia Arabia celebrates the Eid Ul Adha 2023 Holidays for three consecutive days. Following the conclusion of the yearly Holy obligation of Hajj, the Eid ul Adha dates depend on a valid moon sighting. Eid ul Adha dates start from the 10th to the 12th month of Dhu-al-Hijjah. 

What to Do During Eid al-Adha?

People celebrate Eid ul Adha In Pakistan with great zeal and zest. People dress up in their best outfits and offer Eid Prayer. Men prepare themselves for the ritual sacrifice of their animals, while women prepare mouthwatering meaty dishes to enjoy on the occasion of Bakra Eid. Kids feel sad on Eid Al Adha 2023 as they watch their favorite animals slaughter, yet sacrificing animals is a requirement of Allah Almighty, and we should perform this without hesitation.

Eid al Adha Greetings

Eid ul Adha In Pakistan starts around dusk on the night of the completion of Hajj. On Eid day, people meet each other while offering Eid al Adha Greetings and Wishes by saying ”Eid Mubarak” ( Blessings of the Eid day), and its reply is ”Khair Mubarak.” Many people rush to grocery stores to purchase condiments, sauces, and ingredients to cook delicious food on the day of Bakra Eid. The business of knives, sharp-edged tools, and Bar.B.Q instruments flourish during the Bakra Eid festival. 

Eid Prayer

Eid prayer is a special prayer performed on this auspicious occasion. People gather in a public space under an open sky, like a garden, mosque, or community center, to offer Eid Prayer in the congregation. Unlike the other five obligatory prayers, there is no call to worship for this Eid prayer. Eid ul Azha prayer consists of two Rakats/units with seven Takbirs and five Takbirs in the 1st Raka’ah and the 2nd Raka’ah, respectively. The Imam’s khutbah, or speech, comes after the completion of Prayer. Following the prayers and sermon, Muslims hug, greet one another with Eid ul Adha Wishes, exchange presents, and pay visits to their relatives and friends. To introduce people to Islam and Muslim culture, many Muslims also use this occasion to invite their friends, neighbors, coworkers, and students to their Eid celebrations.

Sacrificing of Animals

The main religious tradition followed on Eid Al Adha 2023 is the sacrifice of animals to honor the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Ismail. Sacrificing animals on the eve of Bakra Eid is mandatory for every financially stable Muslim. Immediately after offering the Eid prayer, people gather with their animals in slaughterhouses to have them sacrificed in the name of Allah. The sacrificed animals must meet specific age and health criteria to be appropriate for the obligation of sacrifice. The animal should be physically fit, and there should not be any wounds. 

Allah has mentioned clearly in Quran about the meat of the sacrificed animal. It is a worthy deed to separate the sacrificial animal’s meat into three portions. One-third of the share is of the family offering the animal, another third is of loved ones, friends, and neighbors, and the final third is of the less fortunate and the poor. On this occasion, Muslims ensure that no one remains hungry. Eid ul Adha In Pakistan is when even those who cannot afford meat throughout the year can enjoy Mutton and Beef this Holy festival. That is the beauty of Eid ul Azha, as it promotes a sense of compassion and empathy for humanity. 

Tradition and Celebrations

After completing the obligation of sacrifice, people are now excited to enjoy a hearty feast made of mutton and beef. Following the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the first dish prepared in Pakistani homes is ”Kaleji”, which translates to Liver in English. Kaleji is the special treat of Bakra Eid. People enjoy Kaleji and distribute it among their neighbors as a form of Eid al Adha Greetings. Eid ul Adha In Pakistan is undoubtedly a source of immense happiness and fun. It is celebrated throughout the week while enjoying delicious cuisines. People organize Bar.B.Que parties at night and invite their friends and family.

Hajj and Kabah

Hajj is one of the most important five pillars of Islam. It is an annual pilgrimage to the Holiest city of Mecca in Saudia Arabia. Performance of Hajj is obligatory for every Muslim at least once in his/her life who is physically fit and financially stable enough to afford the expenses of Hajj and supporting their family while they are away from home. 

The Hajj is a pilgrimage to the Kabah, often known as the “House of Allah,” in Saudi Arabia’s holiest city, Mecca. Hazrat Ibrahim, along with Hazrat Ismail, constructed the Kabah on the instructions of Allah Almighty. The Hajj serves as a symbol of the Muslim community’s unity and commitment to Allah. “Hajj,” which means “to attend a voyage,” encompasses the outer act of traveling and the inner action of having intentions. The pilgrimage rituals carry on for five or six days, from the eighth to the twelfth or thirteenth of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. There is no discrimination of caste, color, and creed in the eyes of Allah Almighty. All people are equal in status; no one is superior or inferior to another. 

Ihram

Male pilgrims wear two white seamless garments, one draped over the left shoulder and fastened at the right side and the other around the waist reaching just below the knee. This dressing is Ihram. The goal of Ihram is to demonstrate the equality of all pilgrims before Allah, without distinction between rich and poor. In comparison, women cover themselves with Abaya (traditional Islamic wear). 

Tawaf

Pilgrims from all over the world crowd together to worship at the Masjid al-Haram; they stand before the Kabah and make rounds around it (Tawaf) while chanting the prayers. Some people try to kiss and touch the sacred Black Stone (Hajr-e-Aswad), placed in the eastern corner of Kabah. Muslims highly respect it. After Tawaf, the pilgrims offer two Rakaat prayers at the Place of Ibraham (Muqam-e-Ibrahim), close to the Kabah inside the mosque. Then they drink Zamzam water available in coolers throughout the Kabah. During the obligation of Hajj, pilgrims arrive at the land of Arafat and make supplications, atone for their past transgressions, seek God’s favor, and listen to the sermon delivered by Islamic scholars. Then they leave for Muzdalifah and offer their Maghrib and Isha prayer. 

Stoning of Satan

When Hazrat Ibrahim was about to follow the order of Allah, Satan tried to convince Ibrahim and his Son not to follow Allah’s word, but Ibrahim repelled him by hurling pebbles at him. On 11th Dhu al-Hijjah, as a reminder of their denial of Satan, the pilgrims throw seven stones at each symbolic pillar in the region of Mina. This act is known as the ”Stoning of Satan.”

Tawaf al-Wada

The Tawaf al-Wadaa is the final Tawaf pilgrims do before departing from Mecca. Wada is an Arabic word that means “to say goodbye.” The pilgrims go around the Kabah seven times in a counterclockwise direction.

Why is Eid ul Adha known as the ”Feast of Sacrifice ”?

As the most important Islamic holiday, Eid ul Azha is a time to commemorate the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim. And one of the most important rituals associated with Eid Al Adha 2023 is the sacrifice/Qurbani of animals. People have to offer their beloved animals gifts during Bakra Eid. Qurbani is the sacrifice of an animal in the name of Allah. And it’s an opportunity for Muslims to thank their blessings. It’s also a time to remember Ibrahim’s faith and devotion to Allah. In many ways, Qurbani is a symbol of selfless giving. And it’s an act greatly appreciated by Allah as Muslims distribute meat among their unprivileged brothers. That is why Eid ul Azha is known as the ”Feast of Sacrifice.”

Difference between Eid Al Azha and Eid ul Fitr

Eid ul Azha and Eid ul Fitr are religious occasions of utmost importance in Islam, but both have different histories and significance. Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the Holy month of Ramadan and the start of the 10th month of Shawwal. On Eid ul Fitr, Muslims celebrate the completion of fasting for 30 days of Ramadan. While Eid ul Azha marks the completion of Hajj, another pillar of Islam includes fasting. People pay Fitrana on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr while on the eve of Eid ul Adha, Muslims sacrifice animals and distribute meat among family, friends, and the poor. On the eve of Eid ul Fitr, elders give Eidi to the youngsters, while there is no concept of Eidi on the occasion of Bakra Eid.

Celebration of Eid ul Adha in Pakistan

Eid ul Adha in Pakistan is a time of joy, sharing, and happiness. Celebrated on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, Eid Al Adha 2023 is a three-day holiday during which Muslims in Pakistan celebrate by gathering with family and friends, exchanging gifts and prayers, and enjoying festive meals. People wake up early in the morning to offer Eid prayer in congregation at Eid-gah. Then obligation the sacrifice the animal is performed in full swing. People spend all day distributing meat among the family and the poor. Then they enjoy flavorful meals for the entire week. Eid ul Azha is when people celebrate their shared beliefs and values. There’s usually a lot of food, festivities, and family gatherings, so it’s an excellent time for Muslims in Pakistan. 

Celebration of Eid ul Adha in Saudi Arabia

Saudia Arabia celebrates this three-day public holiday on Eid ul Azha with great enthusiasm. The festival of Bakra Eid marks the end of the Hajj journey for those taking part in this beautiful obligation. After the stoning of Satan, pilgrims offer the commitment of sacrifice on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah to honor the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim and Ismail. Muslims in Saudi Arabia affirm their desire to submit to the Creator’s will by offering animal sacrifices and other charitable deeds by participating in this Feast of Sacrifice. During Eid ul Azha, Saudi Arabian Muslims must give large sums of money, food, and clothing to the homeless and the less fortunate.

Importance of Eid ul Adha for Muslims

The festival of Eid Al Adha 2023, every year, is very close to the heart of Muslims as it teaches selflessness and submission to the order of Allah. It commemorates the heartwarming story of the beloved Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) and promotes a sense of gratitude in our hearts. The narrative of Ibrahim teaches us that Allah’s will is of the ultimate significance and that we should love no one more than Him. Because the day of Eid ul Azha represents the pinnacle of the Hajj or Pilgrimage, this festival has special significance.

FAQs

What Do Muslims Sacrifice on Eid ul Adha?

During Eid al-Adha, the Muslim community engages in the act of sacrificing their animals to remember Ibraham’s obedience. The sacrificial animal may be a cow, camel, or lamb, and the animals should be physically healthy. One portion of the meat of a sacrificial animal goes to those who sacrificed it and their nearest kin. The other part is for friends and relatives, while the remaining portion goes to those in need, such as orphans and widows. 

Conclusion

Eid Ul Adha 2023 Holidays in Pakistan is one of the most important Islamic holidays, commemorating Ibrahim’s sacrifice. This holiday is a time of celebration and family reunion, and it’s a chance to reflect on the teachings of Islam. The celebrations will include prayers, food, and family time. Eid ul Azha is a time to connect with friends and family and celebrate Muslim culture.