In the Islamic Republic of Iran like other Muslim countries, it is a time of feasting and family get-togethers, gift giving and special prayers that commemorate Abraham's near-sacrifice of his son to prove his obedience to Almighty Allah.
Eid al-Adha is an important time for Iranian families. People dress in their best clothing and share meals. They also will visit family members and then friends. All are expected to attend the mosque for special prayers, and sometimes a brief talk from the Imam.
The holiday is additionally observed by the symbolic sacrifice of a sheep or calf, with a generous portion of the meat given to the poor as an act of charity.
One important aspect of the Eid al-Adha is that it commemorates Abraham's readiness to obey Almighty Allah and sacrifice his son, Ishmael. The Eid al-Adha simply celebrates Ibrahim's willingness to comply with the order of Allah to sacrifice a beloved son.
At the last minute of this sacrifice, Allah spares Abraham and allows him to sacrifice a lamb instead.
The second important aspect of the Eid al-Adha is that it is the end of the Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca for the year. Those who have made the Hajj that year may celebrate the Eid al-Adha with particular joy. The Hajj is Jihad, strife to become more obedient to Allah's will. Thus to have completed a Jihad right before the Eid al-Adha is cause for great happiness.
In all countries that celebrate it, it is a time of great joyfulness. It is also a chance to reflect on how one must do what Allah requests. To do so renders great spiritual rewards.
Trusting in Almighty Allah, even when a request seems impossible, ultimately shows the Muslim how faith leads one down an unexpected path, and asserts the will of Almighty Allah as just and merciful.
Some might wonder what connection Muslims have with Abraham. Well, Muslims believe in all Messengers that Almighty Allah sent to mankind. No Muslim is a Muslim unless he believes in all of them including Adam, Noah, Abraham , Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, John, Jesus and final of them Muhammad (may peace of Allah be upon Muhammad and other messengers(.
Islam means submission to one Allah, it is not a new religion, and in fact it is the oldest one that has been here since the advent of man. Muslims believe that Allah is one, and so is His message and religion. All the messengers have been teaching the same message and carrying the same religion, religion of submission - Islam.
In Islam, the concept of sacrifice is different from other religions. Blood does not please Allah or wipe out sins. Sin is the disobedience of Allah. Someone who disobeys Allah earns His displeasure, but Allah is All-Merciful and is willing to forgive all sins. All He requires from the sinner is that he should repent, ask for forgiveness, not repeat and rectify himself.
People are encouraged to give in Allah's way to help to feed the poor. Quran makes it clear that it is not the blood of the slaughtered animal that matters, nor is it its flesh, but it is actually the sincerity, piety, obedience and submission.
“It is neither their (slaughtered animals') meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him” (22:37).
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