--Muslims around the world celebrate Eid ul Adhia today. This Eid commemorates the willingness of the great Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son Ismael on God's command.
Of course, rather than doing so, God replaced Ismael with a ram, informing Abraham that he had passed the test of faith in God.
The Holy Quran prescribes sacrifice in the way of God as a means of attaining righteousness. However, in modern times Muslims are asked to sacrifice their wealth and time, rather than their lives. The Holy Quran states, "Never shall you attain to righteousness unless you spend out of that which you love; and whatever you spend, Allah surely knows it well." (3:93). While Abraham faced a much more difficult test, we are only asked to sacrifice our wealth for the sake of God and mankind.
Thus summarizes a Muslim's two duties in this life. His duty to his God, and his duty to his fellow man (or woman). His duty to God is to worship Him and obey His command. What is God's command? The Holy Quran states, "You are the best people raised for the good of mankind; you enjoin what is good and forbid evil and believe in Allah." (3:111). Every act a Muslim takes must be for the good of mankind. If an act harms mankind, it is forbidden in Islam.
During this Eid, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) practiced sacrificing an animal in the name of God. One-third of the meat would go to his family, one-third of the meat would go to his friends and neighbors, and on-third of the meat would go to the poor and needy. Charity in general is highly encouraged in Islam, and during the holiday of Eid, Muslims are asked to give even more to help the needy and less fortunate.
Eid ul Adhia also marks the end of Hajj, or the pilgrimage, every able bodied Muslim is required to make at least once in their lifetime. It is a time of prayer, reflection, and communion with God.
