Eid al Adha – a time of sacrifice and unity

Eid al Adha – a time of sacrifice and unity

The Prophet (peace be on him) used to reciteSurat Al-‘Ala and Surat Al-Ghashiyah at Eid. These are Makkah surahs, which characteristically mention imaan, the challenges of society and the temptations of dunya and reward for obedience contrasted by the punishment for ignoring or defying Allah. The same theme is repeated in both surahs. This way…

Being grateful on Eid
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Being grateful on Eid

In the verses of fasting in Surat al-Baqarah, Allah says that He wants ease for us, not hardship, and that we should complete the prescribed days and glorify Him for guiding us — and that we may be grateful. وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ“…and so that you complete the prescribed period,…

Eid – The time to renew your covenant with Allah
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Eid – The time to renew your covenant with Allah

It is the Sunnah to recite Surat al-A’la and Surat al-Ghashiyah during the Eid salah. These surahs are Makki surahs, and as typical of Makki surahs, they dwell on themes of monotheism, belief in the akhirah, and renewing our covenant with Allah. We praise Him and are reminded to consider the outcome of our actions…

What Eid al Adha teaches us about making choices

What Eid al Adha teaches us about making choices

The story of Eid therefore embodies the principle of certainty (yaqeen), commitment and sacrifice. Every Eid we are reminded of the story of Ibrahim (peace be upon him). He is the symbol of sacrifice. When he was commanded to sacrifice his son, he had absolute certainty (yaqeen) in Allah Almighty and true tawakkul (trust). It…

What should I do if my mosque says the Day or Arafah is different from the day the Hajjis go to Arafah?
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What should I do if my mosque says the Day or Arafah is different from the day the Hajjis go to Arafah?

Although I recommend people to follow their local community when it comes to fasting in Ramadan and celebrating Eid, I would not recommend anyone to fast on the day the Hajjis are celebrating Eid. The Ummah should unite during the days of Dhul Hijjah. We should show solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are…

The Rhythm of the Ummah – glorification and gratitude

The Rhythm of the Ummah – glorification and gratitude

Every Eid begins with the takbeer. Across all countries around the world, Allahu Akber, Allahu Akber, Allahu Akber, wa lilahi hamd. The rhythm of the takbeer is like the beat of the heart. All together north and south, east and west, the takbeer resounds throughout the Ummah. It shows how strong we are when we…

Eid: glorify Allah through takbeer, showing gratitude and spreading joy
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Eid: glorify Allah through takbeer, showing gratitude and spreading joy

In the verses regarding fasting in Surat al Baqarah, Allah Almighty said, He wants ease for us; He doesn’t want hardship for us, so that we may complete our fasts and glorify Allah for granting us guidance and be grateful. شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ…

Reflections on Surat Al-A’la and Al-Ghashiyah on Eid
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Reflections on Surat Al-A’la and Al-Ghashiyah on Eid

The surahs recited every Eid Every Eid, the Prophet (peace be on him) used to recite Surat Al A’la in the first rakah and Surat Al Ghashiya in the second rakah, which are two consecutive surahs in the Quran. He recited them at almost every Eid and sometimes at Jummuah. I was wondering why he…

Is it permissible to trim your nails and cut your hair if you intend to do a sacrifice (qurbani) on Eid?
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Is it permissible to trim your nails and cut your hair if you intend to do a sacrifice (qurbani) on Eid?

Is it permissible to trim your nails and cut your hair if you intend to do a sacrifice (qurbani) on Eid? When a person enters a state of ihram for Hajj, they are not allowed to trim their hair or clip their nails since these are among the things prohibited while in ihram. This includes…