It is a day of celebration for the Muslims around the globe. The celebration is known as ‘Udhiya’ in the Arabic speaking world and in English it means ‘sacrifice’. It is to commemorate the steadfastness and the readiness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to follow the commandment of Allah SWT to sacrifice his son Prophet Ismail (AS). It was a test from his lord and as he was on the brink of sacrificing his son, Allah the most merciful commend the angel to replace Prophet Isamil (AS) with a ram and instructed him to sacrifice the ram in his place.

It is essential (Wajib) upon those who meet the threshold (Nisab) of Zakat during the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah to sacrifice one of the following animals: Sheep, Goat, a share of a Cow or Camel. As it is narrated in the following blessed hadith of the Propeht SAW:

“There is nothing more dearer to Allāh during the days of Udhiyah than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgement with its horns, hair and hooves (to be weighed). The sacrifice is accepted by Allāh before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open heart.” (At-Tirmidhī, Ibn Mājāh)

The days that precede Eid-ul-Adha are very sacred and the night in particular before ‘Udhiya’ is as just as the blessed night of Eid-ul-Fitr. It is strongly recommended that one worships throughout the night and engage in meditation and worship. It is one of the most blessed nights of the Islamic calendar which has immense virtues and rewards. It is recorded in the prophetic narration that

“Mu’ādh ibn Jabal (Radhiyallāhu ‘anhu) relates that Rasūlullāh (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “Jannah is wājib (incumbent) for those who stay awake with the intention of making ‘ibādah on the following nights: 8th & 9th, the night of ‘Eid-ul-Adhā (10th of Dhul Hijjah), the night of ‘Eid-ul-Fitr and the night of the 15th of Sha’bān.” (At-Targhīb)e