In the Muslim calendar, Eid ul Azha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant and widely observed events. It celebrates the Prophet Ibrahim’s (A.S.) determination to offer his son Ismail (A.S.) as a sacrifice in submission to Allah.
Allah replaced his son with a lamb, and Muslims around the world honor this event by sacrificing an animal and sharing its meat with family, friends, and the poor. Eid ul Azha is also a time of joy, gratitude, and generosity, where Muslims exchange gifts with their loved ones and express their appreciation for each other.
But how should we give and receive gifts on this auspicious occasion? What are the etiquette and manners that we should follow to make our gift-giving meaningful and respectful? Based on Islamic teachings and customs, we will examine some of the dos and don’ts of giving and receiving gifts on Eid ul Azha in this blog post.
The importance of giving gifts on Eid ul Azha
Giving gifts on occasions like Eid is a kind gesture that makes both the giver and the receiver happy. It is a manner of displaying love, caring, and kindness to people while also strengthening the links of friendship and brotherhood among Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Exchange gifts, as that will lead to increasing your love for one another.” He also said: “Give gifts to one another, for gifts take away rancor.”
Giving gifts on Eid ul Azha 2023 is especially significant, as it reflects the spirit of sacrifice and generosity that characterizes this festival. It is a means for us to share our blessings with others who are less privileged than us. Additionally, it is a method for us to thank Allah for all of His blessings and for making it possible for us to carry out the Hajj and sacrifice rituals.. Allah says in the Quran: “And do not forget to do good to one another.”
The Etiquette Of Giving Gifts On Eid Ul Azha
When giving gifts on Eid ul Azha, we should follow some etiquette and manners that will make our gift-giving more pleasing and acceptable to Allah and to the recipients. Here are some of them:
- Give gifts sincerely for the sake of Allah, not for showing off or expecting something in return. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The best gift is that which is given for the sake of Allah.”
- Give gifts according to your means, without burdening yourself or going into debt. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The most beloved gift to Allah is the most affordable.”
- Give gifts that are useful, beneficial, and suitable for the recipients, taking into account their needs, preferences, and interests. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Give each other gifts that you love.”
- Give gifts that are lawful, pure, and good, avoiding anything that is forbidden, harmful, or doubtful. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “A Muslim does not give a gift from what is unlawful.”
- Give gifts with a cheerful face, a kind word, and a humble attitude, avoiding any arrogance or pride. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The best gift is that which is accompanied by a smile.”
- Give gifts without delay or procrastination, especially on Eid ul Azha when people are expecting them. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The best gift is that which is given quickly.”
The Etiquette Of Receiving Gifts On Eid Ul Azha
When receiving gifts on Eid ul Azha, we should also follow some etiquette and manners that will make our gift-receiving more grateful and respectful to Allah and to the givers. Here are some of them:
- Receive gifts with joy and appreciation, without showing any displeasure or dissatisfaction. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah.”
- Receive gifts without feeling any envy or jealousy towards those who give or receive more than us. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Beware of envy, for envy consumes good deeds as fire consumes wood.”
- Receive gifts without feeling any obligation or pressure to reciprocate or return them. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “There is no reward for a gift except a good word or a prayer.”
- Receive gifts without questioning or criticizing them,
- Receive gifts without questioning or criticizing them, or comparing them with others. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Do not look down upon any gift, even if it is a hoof of a sheep.”
- Receive gifts with a prayer and a blessing for the givers, asking Allah to reward them and to accept their sacrifice. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever gives you a gift, then pray for him, for he has done you a favor.”
Conclusion
Giving and receiving gifts on Eid ul Azha 2023 is a beautiful tradition that enhances the spirit and the meaning of this festival. It is a way of celebrating the sacrifice and the generosity that Allah has taught us through the example of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) and his family.
It is also a way of expressing our gratitude and our appreciation to Allah and to each other for all the favors and blessings that we enjoy. By following the etiquette and manners of giving and receiving gifts on Eid ul Azha, we can make our gift-giving more pleasing to Allah and more beneficial to ourselves and others. We can also make our Eid ul Azha more joyful, memorable, and rewarding.
We hope that this blog post has been helpful and informative for you. We wish you all a happy and blessed Eid ul Azha!
