Avoiding Ostentation and Innovations on Eid al-Adha✍ By: Qari Usama bin Abdus Salam
Section: Embracing Sunnah and Shunning Innovations Category
✦ Adherence to Sunnah and Abandoning Innovations
Al-Ḥamdu Lillāh!
Eid al-Adha is one of the great symbols of Islam, celebrated in memory of the noble sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail (عليهما السلام). This day draws our attention to the true spirit of sincerity, piety, obedience, and sacrifice.
However, it is unfortunate
that this blessed day has also fallen prey to our negligence, exhibitionism, and religious innovations. One must ponder:
Is our Eid truly a means to attain Allah’s pleasure, or has it turned into a day that brings joy to Shayṭān?➊ Eid al-Adha: A Spirit of Sacrifice or a Scene of Exhibition?
Allah Almighty says:
"لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَـٰكِن يَنَالُهُ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ ۚ” (Surah al-Ḥajj: 37)
"Neither their meat reaches Allah, nor their blood, but what reaches Him is your piety."
This verse highlights the true essence of sacrifice — Taqwa (piety). Yet, consider the current situation:
✔ Livestock are purchased solely for fame, pride, and show.
✔ “Qurbani vlogs,” animal parades, and competitions have become common on social media.
✔ Taqwa, humility, and sincerity are cast aside.
➋ The Simple Sacrifice of the Prophet ﷺ and Our Lavish Customs
The Noble Prophet ﷺ personally slaughtered two speckled rams with his own hands.
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 5558)
His sacrifice was a model of simplicity, sincerity, and piety, and he taught the same to his Companions. But what do we see today?
The entire responsibility is handed over to the butcher. Animals are subjected to painful and un-Islamic slaughtering methods, although the Prophet ﷺ said:"إن الله كتب الإحسان على كل شيء…" (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 1955)
Meat is hoarded and freezers are filled, while the needy are ignored. Cruel treatment and mockery of animals has become a norm.➌ The Day of Sacrifice: A Time of Worship or a Victim of Neglect?
Sayyidunā ʿAlī (رضي الله عنه) said:
"العيد لمن قَبِل الله صيامه و شَكَر قيامه…"
"Eid is for the one whose fasting has been accepted by Allah and whose worship is filled with gratitude."
But the reality of today:
Eid prayer is taken lightly; people arrive late or skip it entirely. From early morning, music, noise, and frivolity begin. Mixed gatherings, dancing, singing, and fireworks are widespread. The poor and deserving are neglected and mocked.➍ Innovations and Superstitions: Expression of Joy or an Insult to the Religion?
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"من أحدث في أمرنا هذا ما ليس منه فهو ردّ" (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 2697)
"Whoever introduces into this matter of ours that which is not from it, it will be rejected."
Today's situation of innovations and superstitions:
Sacrifices are offered at graves. Un-Islamic vows are made, such as sacrificing in the name of certain saints or locations. Animals are given names and attached with sentiments that verge on shirk (polytheism).➎ Rectification and Turning Back: Make Eid a Means of Worship
There is a dire need to adhere to the Sunnah and avoid innovations. For this, the following steps must be taken:
✔ The intention behind purchasing the animal should be solely for Allah's pleasure.
✔ The sacrifice should be performed simply and according to the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
✔ Eid prayer should be offered on time and in congregation.
✔ Meat distribution must prioritize orphans, the needy, and neighbors.
✔ Takbīrāt of Tashrīq must be observed diligently:
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
✦ Conclusion
We must reflect sincerely:
Is our Eid aligned with the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and the way of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ?
Or have we transformed it into a day of fashion, display, and worldly celebration?
If we have lost the true spirit of this day, then we must repent immediately, correct our intentions, and make Eid al-Adha a day of worship, sacrifice, and sincerity.
✦ Supplication
اللَّهُمَّ اجعل عيدَنا طاعةً لك، وتقبَّل منّا قربانَنا، واغفِرْ لنا ذنوبَنا، واهدِنا إلى سُنَّة نبيّك، ولا تجعلنا من الغافلين.
O Allah! Make our Eid a means of obedience to You. Accept our sacrifices. Forgive our sins. Guide us to the Sunnah of Your Prophet, and save us from heedlessness. Āmīn.
