Do your sacrifice and give to the needy, Muslims told

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Do your sacrifice and give to the needy, Muslims told

Dubai - Imams and preachers said slaughtering an animal during the four-day feast is an act of obedience to God.

by

Sherouk Zakaria

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Published: Tue 21 Aug 2018, 10:03 PM

Last updated: Thu 23 Aug 2018, 9:17 AM

As Muslims welcomed the first day of Eid Al Adha, UAE Imams urged them to sacrifice an animal and give the meat to the needy.
During Eid morning prayers across the UAE mosques, Imams and preachers said slaughtering an animal during the four-day feast is an act of obedience to God.
The act commemorates the trial of the Prophet Abrahim when God ordered him, through a vision, to sacrifice his son Ismail.
It also symbolises willingness to give up things close to the hearts to follow God's commands.
"Slaughtering an animal is a confirmed Sunna for those who are able to do it," said a Sharjah preacher during Eid prayers. "It brings us closer to God."
Preachers added that Prophet Abrahim, and his son Ismail, were rewarded by God when he gave them a sheep to slaughter after they believed the vision and considered it an order.
To honour Prophet Abrahim's response, Muslims sacrifice a goat, sheep, cow or camel for Eid Al Adha, which lasts four days, to resemble the same obedience to God.
"In these sacrifices, camels should be five years old, cows should be two years old, goats are preferably one-year old and sheep of six months," said the preacher, stressing that sick or lame animals must be completely avoided.
"Muslims must choose the animals of the best quality, fat and taste especially since it goes to the people in need," he said. "Slaughter the animals, eat with your family and friends and give to the needy."
Since the four-day feast is an act of celebration, worship and dedication to God, Muslims are prohibited from fasting during Eid Al Adha.
"Those who slaughter animals, mention the name of God like the pilgrims in Makkah who mention his name when throwing pebbles as part of the Haj, and that's what Eid is about: Doing what God ordered and avoiding sins."
Preachers urged people to gather and celebrate and take sacrifice as part of their daily lives. They also reminded people to honour the poor, respect the elderly and have compassion for those who are younger.
Worshippers were also reminded to honour their mothers and pay their respect to her dedication and efforts to the family.
Abattoirs across the country are prepared to receive hundreds of Muslims coming out to sacrifice.
This year, families and residents can donate directly at abattoirs across Dubai as special places will be allocated for receiving sacrifices and delivering them directly to the UAE Food Bank.
Days of Eid Al Adha see Muslims gather for food and drink, wear new clothes, visit each other, give gifts to children and perform acts of worship.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com


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