10 Sunnah to Perform on Eid-ul-Azha
Eid-ul-Azha is just around the corner, and people have begun preparing for it. From searching for the right sacrificial animal to finding the perfect dress for Eid: people are excited for D-day.
But Eid ul Azha is more than just the decorations and celebrations; it is about remembrance. It is an Islamic festival and hence needs to be celebrated according to the recommended actions or following the Sunnah.
What is Eid-ul-Azha
Eid-ul-Azha is known as the Eid of Sacrifice. It is a significant holiday of Islam where we remember the sacred act of our Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (A.S.). This day is to recall the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) to Allah and how he was ready to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (A.S.).
This day falls on the tenth day of the last month of the Islamic calendar (Dhu-al-Hijjah). However, the literal day of Eid-ul-Azha depends on the sighting of the moon. This ritual of sacrifice indicates the completion of the annual Holy Pilgrimage (Hajj).
This act of sacrifice, or 'Qurbani,' includes the slaughter of an animal as a way of recollection. It is a three-day holiday: from the 10th to the 12th of Dhu-al-Hijjah.
The animal must be a cow, bull, lamb, goat, sheep, a camel. And it should be in good health and fits the 'Halal' criteria for slaughtering. To learn more about the sacrificial animal, you can read this article.
Sunnah Acts of Eid-ul-Azha
Eid ul Azha is a time of joy and gratitude. It is a time when Muslims; around the world gather to celebrate a holiday: to remember the greatness of Allah and his might.
Aside from the obligatory acts, Muslims perform many rituals and practices; on this day. It includes following the Sunnah. Since Sunnah is considered second to Fardh, it holds a high spiritual value and tons of benefits in the hereafter. Therefore, we decided to pen down ten Sunnah acts to maximize the blessing of this holy day.
Fajr Prayer
How can we begin a day without remembering Allah? Wake up early on the day of Eid and offer the Fajr prayers. Begin your day seeking blessings from Allah, as it will also bring a blissful impact on your day.
Personal Hygiene
Before heading to the Eid prayers, take a shower. The Prophet (SAW) said: "Cleanliness is half of faith..." (Sahih Muslim 223). Hygiene is crucial for your health, but it helps make meeting a pleasant experience for all.
And while we're at it, let's discuss how to do wudu. Here's a guide for you;
Begin by making an intention. It means to say in your heart that you are to perform wudu for the Eid prayer.
Recite "Bismillah" to start the act of wudu.
Start by washing your hands (to the wrists). Make sure to clean between the fingers. Do this three times.
Take a small amount of water in your hand and rinse your mouth, ensuring water reaches all around your mouth. Do it three times.
Next, take a hand full of water again, but this time for the nose. Sniff it in, then blow it out. Clean the nose thoroughly with your left hand and do it thrice.
Now wash your face. From the hairline to the chin, ear to ear. Ensure your face (including your beard) is clean with water. Do it thrice.
It's time for your arms. Run water from the fingertips to the elbows three times. Do the same process for the left arm.
Next, dampen your hand and run it through your head once. Start from the forehead and move to the back of the head.
Clean your ears using your index finger. Wipe the inner and outer parts of the ears once to clean them.
Last comes the feet. Wash your right feet thoroughly, from fingers to ankles. Don't forget to wipe between the finger. Do the same process for the left foot. Do this process thrice.
Now you're done with wudu. But if you're unsure about any part that remains unclean or not rinsed properly, you can repeat the process for that specific part. Nonetheless, I can't proceed further without mentioning these few things;
Be wary of the water quantity you're using. Do not waste excessive amounts of water.
Repeat the steps in the recommended order.
We suggest you recite the supplication for wudu after completing it. It will increase the rewards and blessings for you.
These guides and additional tips can help you complete your wudu; so, you can commence in Eid prayers. Well, back to our list of ten Sunnah of Eid ul Azha.
Dress up Nicely
Eid is a day to commemorate, and Muslims tend to celebrate holidays with clean and new attires. After the ablution, it is Sunnah to wear clean and modest clothes. It reflects the joy and respect for this day.
Wear Attar
Wear your best fragrance. Attar is a non-alcoholic perfume for men. It is a beloved act to adorn oneself on such occasions. And wearing nice clothes is a part of it, but a pleasant aura of fragrance is a cherry on top.
Eid Prayers
How can it be Eid without performing Salaat al-Eid? Perform the prayer in a congregation (meaning; in a mosque or another open public space) and seek blessings from Allah. The Prophet (PBUH) has emphasized this by saying: "The prayer in congregation is twenty-seven times superior to the prayer offered by person alone." (Sahih al-Bukhari 645).
Takbeerat
While you can say the takbeerat after the Fajr prayer, it is also suggestive that you recite it throughout the day. It reminds us of his greatness and strengthens our faith.
Sadaqah
Sadaqah means charitable acts, and it is one of the most liked deeds of the Prophet (PBUH). He was known for his generosity and asked His followers to do the same. Thus, don't forget the less fortunate ones this Eid and give voluntary charity to uplift the spirit of Eid.
Visiting Friends and Family
Eid is a time to strengthen your Imaan, but it is also the time to maintain your family bonding. Promote the spirit of kinship and unity. Send greetings to your friends, family, and neighbours.
Feast
Eid is a day to celebrate and enjoy. Be it at home or a restaurant, enjoy your day with good food (as long as it doesn't involve haram food). The prophet (PBUH) said: "The days of Tashriq (the three days following 'Eid-ul-Ad-ha, i.e., 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah) are days of eating, drinking and remembering (dhikr) of Allah, the Most Great and Glorious." (Related by Muslim, Book 5, Hadith 38). Share meals with your loved ones to cheer up the values of gratitude and love.
Remembering Allah
Of course, through the festival of Eid, don't forget to express your sincere gratitude to the Almighty. Thank Him for his blessings, this festival, and the goodness that comes with it. Reflect on the significance of this day, the story of the Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail.
Understand the importance of trust in Allah and try to internalize these lessons. Learn from these lessons and apply these teachings to your daily life to become a better Muslim and get closer to Allah. Lastly, express your gratitude for your and your family's health and happiness; and all the blessings He bestowed upon us.
Conclusion:
Eid ul Azha is a vital holiday of Islam. It is a day to celebrate but also a day to reflect on the importance of trusting Allah. It is an opportunity to strengthen your bond with Allah. Therefore, we tried to articulate ten Sunnah to follow this Eid. It will help you become a better Muslim and also maximize the blessings you're getting.
So, this Eid, Let's remember the true essence of Eid-ul-Azha; the essence of sacrifice, gratitude, loyalty, kindness, and charity. Let's embrace this Eid with compassion that revives our hearts and soul. Lastly, let's hope this Eid brings peace and blessings to all Muslims. Eid Mubarak!
Author Bio:
Zain Jawwad is a skilled copywriter and content creator who writes high-quality articles and blogs. He has experience covering a wide range of topics with valuable insights. Zain also occasionally contributes articles to Muslim & Quran.