In the name of God,  

Eid al-Adha is one of the most important holidays and celebrations in the Islamic world, observed and celebrated by both Shia and Sunni Muslims. This day has a historical significance, and I will share its story from the Quran.  

Prophet Ibrahim, one of God's great prophets, received a command from God to sacrifice his son Ismail in His way. He decided to obey God and to sacrifice his son, discussing this decision with Ismail. Ismail replied, "Dear father, I am willing to accept whatever God wants, but let my mother Hagar not find out about this." One day, Ibrahim and his son Ismail decided to go to the top of a mountain for the sacrifice. Ibrahim sharpened his knife with a stone and they set off for the mountain. Along the way, Satan appeared to Ibrahim, trying to dissuade him and frightening him about losing his only son.

Prophet Ibrahim cursed Satan, and when Satan got very close, Ibrahim threw a stone at him, blinding one of his eyes. This is why it is said that in the end times, Satan will appear with one eye and will fight against Imam Mahdi. This act of throwing stones is also one of the rituals of Hajj, where Muslims symbolically throw stones at Satan.


Now, let me continue the story. The appointed time arrived, and Ibrahim tied Ismail's hands behind his back and placed the knife on Ismail's neck. By God's command, the angel Gabriel would change the sharp side of the knife, preventing it from cutting. This happened three times, and suddenly Ibrahim heard a voice from God saying, "O Ibrahim, you have succeeded in the divine test. You were willing to sacrifice the most beloved thing to you, your only son, for the sake of God. Now look to the top of the mountain; God has sent a ram for you to sacrifice in His way. Congratulations, for you are among God's special servants."

This event takes place on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, and all Muslims sacrifice cows, sheep, and camels for the sake of God, sharing the meat with themselves, the poor, and their relatives. Muslims have special and interesting customs; they perform prayers ten days before Eid al-Adha, and on the day before Eid, known as the Day of Arafah, they gather in large mosques to pray. 

On Eid al-Adha, they congratulate each other, and families and relatives visit one another, with each community preparing its own special dishes. The difference between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha is that Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan, while Eid al-Adha, on the surface, is a day of sacrifice, but at its core, it represents obedience to God and servitude to Him.

Dear friends, I am Rana, and I narrate the history of Islam in a simple and story-like manner. For religious consultations, you can contact me via WhatsApp.