Ileya Festival is a unique festival for Muslims across the world. It is their biggest festival of every year. The festival creates a fun fair atmosphere which is second to none. Being the most important festival in Islam, Eid-al-Adha takes place after the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, and is done to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to give up his beloved son on Allah’s command. This calls for slaughtering of Ram, Cow, and Camel whose meat are usually distributed on Salah day to their fellow Muslims. Even the non-Muslims get a share of the Salah meat. Celebrating the festival has been a long practice of Muslims since the time of Prophet Muhammed (SAW) who mandated Muslims to uphold the proud legacy of the father of faith. It is a time for Muslims to remember God’s love and kindness and it is a time of sharing. The festival focuses on the importance of obeying Allah.
Eid-ul-Adha always comes with moments which every Muslims and non-Muslims cherish in the community. It is required for Muslims to take the full-body ritual bath before setting out for Eid. They need to be at their best appearance and behaviour. Since this Eid is considered the holier and bigger of the two celebrations in Islam, then Muslims are expected to wear their best clothes, preferably new ones when they go out to the Eid prayer. They are also required to praise Allah throughout the day and pay visits to friends, families, neighbours. Every year, they look forward to celebrating it big.
In some parts of the country, Eidul Adha is marked with special events such as the Durban Festival in the North, Ojude Oba in Ijebu Ode and so on. In many cities, the people organize carnivals for days to mark the celebration. They look forward to it every year as they always plan big events to make it eventful.
Eidul Adha no doubt is a unifying factor to all Muslims across the world. It is celebrated on the same day with no form of divided opinion of the day it is celebrated and how it is marked. This is different in the case of Ramadan and Eidul Fitr Festival. Therefore the joy of celebrating Eidul Adha is felt across the world on the same day.
WHY MUSLIMS FAST A DAY BEFORE ILEYA FESTIVAL
When it is a day before Eidul Adha or Ileya Festival (Home coming) as known by the Yorubas, Muslims across the world observe fasting throughout the day and break at sunset. Fasting on this day which is also known as the day of Arafah is one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar. Even though it’s not compulsory to fast on this day, it is highly recommended, especially for those not performing pilgrimage (Hajj).
The day of Arafah is the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah which is the 12th and last month of the lunar month. It is the most crucial day of the Hajj where Muslims gather on Mount Arafah to pray for forgiveness from Allah (SWT) and ask for His blessings.
For those not performing Hajj, fasting in the first nine days of Hajj (days of Arafah) is advised. However, if you cannot, it is highly recommended to fast and give out zakat on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the day of Arafah. Muslims from all over the world fast on this day to seek forgiveness and to gain the blessings of Allah SWT. Below are the reasons Muslims fast on the auspicious day of Arafah and the many benefits attached: By fasting on the day of Arafah, Muslims show gratitude to Allah SWT for bestowing us with Islam.
Fasting on the day of Arafah brings about forgiveness of past and future sins. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), when asked about fasting on the day of Arafah, said, “It expiates the sins (minor) of the past year and the coming year.” (Muslim)
On the day of Arafah, Allah (SWT) releases souls from hell. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated; “There is no day in which Allah sets free more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of Arafah.” (Muslim) Therefore, fasting on the day of Arafah allows Muslims to focus on their prayer and seek forgiveness and protection from the Hellfire.
Fasting on the day of Arafah is one of the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It was reported that Hafsah (RA), the wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), said, “Four things the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah (SWT) never neglected: Observing fast on the day of Ashura, Arafah, three days every month, and offering Fajr Sunnah prayers early in the morning.” (Muslim)
Also observing fast on this day leads to expiation of sins even if they are many. In a narration, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “As for you staying till the evening in Arafah, then Allah descends to the sky of the Dunya, and He boasts about you to the Angels and says: ‘My slaves have come to Me, looking rough, from every deep valley hoping for My mercy, so if your sins were equivalent to the amount of sand or the drops of rain or like the foam on the sea I will forgive them. So go forth, My slaves! Having forgiveness and for what or who you have interceded for.’” (Tabarani)
Fasting on the day of Arafah will save you on the day of resurrection. The benefits of fasting alone are immense. Therefore, the fasts that one keeps on the Day of Arafah will act as their shield on the Day of Judgment as it will be the Arafat grounds where all of mankind will be resurrected. Muslims are also directed to give zakat to the ones in need on this day (orphans).
The day of Arafah is a day of worship and serious devotion by Muslims. They are advised to recite the Arafah day dua, Tahleel, Takbeer and Tahmeed by saying; La ilah ila Allah (there is no god but Allah) “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the greatest) and “Alhamdulillah” (Praise be to Allah) respectively done as many times as possible.
“There are no days more beloved to Allah that He be worshipped in them than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah.” (Tirmidhi) It is a day Allah SWT expresses his pride to his angels. Ibn Umar (RA) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Allah SWT expresses His pride to His angels at the time of Isha on the Day of ‘Arafah, about the people of ‘Arafah. He says, ‘Look at My slaves who have come unkempt and dusty.’” (Ahmad)
The Arafah day is the essence of Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Hajj is Arafah.” (Nasai) This means that one’s Hajj won’t be completed if they don’t visit Mount Arafat. So, for those who cannot perform Hajj, fasting on the day of Arafah is a way of renewing their promise to Allah SWT and committing to starting fresh.
It is on this day, Allah SWT revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), “This day I have completed your religion for you, perfected my favour upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion.” (Holy Quran, 5:3) Hence, fasting on the day of Arafah is a way to celebrate this monumental occasion. Hadiths Regarding Fasting On the Day of Arafah
Aisha (RA) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), when asked about the importance of fasting on the day of Arafah, said, “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah. He comes close and expresses His fulfilment to the angels, saying, “What do these people want?” (Muslim)
Abu Hafsah (RA) reported that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Fasting on the Day of Arafah absolves the sins for two years: the previous year and the coming year, and fasting of ‘Ashura, (the tenth day of Muharram) atones for the sins of previous years.” (Muslim).
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE BUYING ILEYA RAM
Ileya Festival is here again as Muslims all over the world are already preparing for the biggest festival in the Islamic lunar year. This year’s festival comes up on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the calendar, a date equivalent to 28th of June, 2023. By now Muslims are already out there, scouting for Rams to buy at affordable prices even though they are more expensive this time around. It is important for Muslims to take note of the many considerations they need to make before buying their Rams so as to earn the full reward of observing the rite ascribed with the festival.
Ileya; “Home coming” is a Yoruba coinage of Eidul Adha an Arabic expression which means “Feast of Sacrifice” is always marked with the slaughtering of Ram and other permissible animals like female or male ram, goat, cow, sheep, and buffalo. There are no discriminations on the sex of animals that can be slaughtered, however, males are usually the first and preferred option for most believers.
As most Muslim faithful already know, animals to be slaughtered for Eid ul Adha must meet certain criteria. The age and physical wellbeing of the animal constitute the topmost priorities. For instance, goats and rams must not be less than one year old, cows must not be less than two years old, while camels must not be less than five years old.
Another important thing to consider is that the animals slaughtered for Salah must be in top shape. Aside from their physical health, they must not suffer any impairment. For instance, blind or one-eyed animals are forbidden. Animals with broken horns or have a missing tail are also completely unacceptable. More so, animals that are either crippled, extremely malnourished or castrated are also forbidden.
Muslims who still have intention of buying Ram and the other permissible animals should take time in order to pick the best option of animals to be slaughtered. The Prophet (SAW) said: “For every hair of the Qurbani (animal slaughtered for salah), you will receive a reward from Allah (SWT).” (Tirmidhi)
Know that it is more than just a sacrifice for food; it will give you immense awards. It is also a gift for many orphans and widows, for whom meat is a rare luxury. Bring joy to orphans and widowed families closer this Eid and reap the rewards of doing these.
With Additional Information from online source.
For story submissions and inquiries, please email us at citypeopleonline96@gmail.com