Today, most Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Adha, it is one of the most important religious occasions for Muslims, it is one of the two holidays approved in the Islamic religion; it falls every Hijri year on the tenth of Dhu al-Hijjah, and it is described as the day of "the biggest Hajj" or Pilgrimage as Muslims perform this sacred ritual, namely the slaughter of the sacrifice of Eid in closeness to Allah Almighty. To understand the fact, here is the story as was described in the Quran. 

The story emphasized an image of a strong and steadfast faith in the creator, it is the story of Abraham, peace be upon him, who complied with Allah's command to slaughter his son, yes, he ordered him to slaughter his son Ishmael, who was born after many years of patience because his first wife, Sarah was sterile so she decided to offer her husband a new bride to him. The new wife was Sarah's servant, called Hajar, whom she received as a gift when she was spending some time in Egypt. Because Abraham had aged and his hair turned gray, Sarah was open-minded to the extent to present her servant to be the second wife of her dear husband, as thus, the hope was fulfilled through Hajar who had given birth to Ishmael .

It is difficult to imagine a scene in which a father slaughters his son, although in our time it has become a common thing to hear about different forms of slaughters in media, such horrific crimes are increasing with the passage of time and due to the degradation of values and morals. But, here the story is different, it has a spiritual extent and a religious significance. 

Abraham , peace be upon him, loved his son Ishmael very much, because he was his only son, and because he came after long years later as he grew older  longing years for him . His attachment to his son seemed obvious, years passed  until the son grew and began to help his father because of his exertion. 

One night, the Prophet Ibrahim or Abraham, was asleep when the angel Gabriel came whispering revelation to him from the Almighty , and the message contained an effective order to slaughter his only son, Ibrahim woke up and made his prayers as usual and then went to check on his son, who left him in Mecca with his mother Hajar.

He told his son about his dream saying : “O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you, so see what you think."

Ishmael responded:“O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast."

Both the father and son submitted themselves to the will of the Almighty. Ishmael had nothing but obedience and surrender, and indeed his father arranged things to kill his son , and laid him prostrate, on the side of his forehead for slaughtering , lest he be pitied, so the father's Mercy may take him as he is his beloved son, then  he began to hold the knife on Ishmael's throat, but by the power of God it lost its influence, and  did not harm that obedient, sweet boy. Abraham heard a caller, telling him that he had believed the vision, therefore, he had obtained the reward through a ransom which is a great ram.

In fact, the vision was a manifest trial and by fulfilling the dream, Abraham proved his faith and loyalty to the almighty. Accordingly, the prophet Abraham's heart was filled with awe and love for God for his countless blessings, whenever he remembered the fact, tears dropped from his eyes. 

Since then, all Muslims revive the Sunnah of the prophet Abraham, peace be upon him, as well as the prophet Mohammed PBUH, imitating him in patience to obey the almighty, favoring the love of Allah over the soul and its desires.

Eid Al-Adha is a religious sacrifice meant also to expand oneself and the people of the home, to honoring parents and neighbors, and giving charity to the poors , moreover, it is a manifestation of joy and pleasure that our creator has bestowed on Muslims.

Furthermore, it is an indication and clarification of the words of the Almighty and of what he told us that he created cattle for the benefit of our nutrition , and ordered to slaughter them to be fed. 

In addition, It is stipulated that the sacrifice should be from the animal of cattle, so it should consist of cows, camels or sheep. The Islamic scholars have agreed on the legality of slaughtering the victim and that it is one of the most beloved deeds to the Almighty. 

Eid al-Adha or sacrifice is a great opportunity to decrease the gap between poors and riches strengthening the bonds of solidarity and brotherhood among the Islamic community , to grant help to those in need and to enjoy life's gratifications with family gathering in parties of barbecue. It is also an occasion for happiness and joy to prevail by all means everywhere, with the remembrance that life is a sharing and we are born to know each other, help each other and coexist under the shades of humanity. Happy Eid to all Muslims and non Muslims. This is simply a summarized tale, because the story is too long to mention. 

Thanks for taking time to read.