During Haj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). The Qur’an describes Ibrahim (pbuh) as follows: “Surely Ibrahim was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous.” (Qur'an 16:120-121)

One of Ibrahim (pbuh) supreme trials was to obey the command of Allah to sacrifice his only son, Ismail. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit himself to Allah’s will. When he was all prepared to carry out His Will, Allah revealed to him that his “sacrifice” had already been fulfilled. Ibrahim (pbuh) had thus proven that his love for his Lord superseded everything else and that he would lay down his own life or the lives of the people dear to him for the sake of God.

During the celebrations of Eid Al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Ibrahim’s (pbuh) trials by slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. Those outside the Islamic faith have often misunderstood this ritual.

Abdurahman Al-Rajhi said the Udhiyah (Islamic slaughtering) is a very meaningful and important occasion that reminds us of the sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh).

“We usually provide sacrifice on behalf of our parents and family and distribute part of it to the poor,” he said. “For me, I also have Udhiyah in the Philippines, three in Manila and two in Marawi city and this time another two in Bumbaran.”

The meats are distributed through a charitable organization there that I deal with, supervised and run by known Muslims in the country. They take half of them and distribute half of them to the poor people in the country.

Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.

The meat from the sacrifice of Eid Al-Adha is mostly given away to others. Immediate members of the family and relatives eat one-third, another third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to forego part of our own bounties in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.

It is equally important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: “It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him.” (Qur'an 22:37)

The symbolism is in the attitude — a willingness to render sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the straight path. Each of us makes small sacrifices and give up things that are important to us. A true Muslim, who submits himself or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah’s commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.

On the day of Eid Al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosques. Prayers are followed by visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts. At some point, members of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise will make arrangements for the slaughter of an animal. The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter.