***The information in this post is very brief and summarized to keep it simple and straightforward. There is much more to the Hajj and Adha than is mentioned here.***
To begin with, "Adha" (أضحى) is an Arabic word meaning sacrifice. However, in the religious concept means to "worship God by doing the rituals in a specific place at a specific time." As for the place, it is Mecca in Saudi Arabia. As for the time, 8th to 12th of "Dhu Al Hijja" (The last month of the Islamic lunar calender and it means "Possessor of the Pilgrimage.") The Adha Holiday comes during the season of Hajj-10th of Dhu Al Hijja.
*Pilgrims (Al Hujjaj) are the people that are answering God's orders to go to the Hajj.
*Al Kaaba : it is the sacred house (also known as the Ancient House) and it is the direction to face while praying no matter where you are praying.
"Al Hajj" is the fifth pillar of the five pillars of Islam where Muslims from all over the world gather to worship God. The Hajj is a must on every Muslim who is capable - financially, physically and mentally once in a lifetime and each additional visit is optional. It is mentioned several times in the Holy Quran and the Prophet Mohammad (Blessings and Peace be Upon Him) explained it to people and taught them how it is done.
The are four basic essential steps that MUST be fulfilled during the Hajj.
1- "Al Ihram" : which is to intend that one is planning on going through with Hajj. Usually, the intention is in heart (As the Prophet said : All actions are by intention.) but it is preferred to be said out loud.
2- Standing on Mount Arafa : and this is the most crucial part of the Hajj ceremony. Pilgrims stand there and pray all day for God to forgive them from their sins.
*Mount Arafa is the location where Adam and Eve met after they were sent to Earth from Heaven.*
3- "Tawaf Al Ziyara" : it is where each person walks seven times counter-clockwise around the Kaaba.
4- "Al Saei Bayn El Safa wal Marwa" : each person goes back and forth between the hills of Al Safa wal Marwa.
In addition to these four steps, pilgrims drink from the Zamzam well, throw stones (Stoning of the Devil) and visit the place where the Prophet is buried in the Madina.
The Adha Holiday is on the 10th of Dhu Al Hijja and it is celebrated by Muslims around the world. People who have been (or are still) at Hajj are required to sacrifice an animal on this day and distribute the meat to the poor.
***There are specific types of animals and some conditions for the sacrifice but I am not going to mention them due to keeping this post simple.***
During the Hajj and Adha, people say all kinds of prayers and seek forgiveness. However, there a couple of prayers that are said and carry special meanings related to the season.
"Labbayka Allahomma labbayk..Labbayka la shareeka laka labbayk..Inna l hamda wal niemata laka wal molk la shareeka lak" : Oh God we are here to answer Your commands, You are the One and only. You are the One to be thanked, You are the One with the blessings with no other.
"Allaho akbar Allaho akbar la ilah illah Alla...Allaho akbar Allaho akbar wa lil allah el hamd" : God is the greatest God is the greatest He is the only God... God is the greatest God is the greatest for Him we send our thanks.
It usually preferred that non-pilgrims Muslims fast the day before Adha which is Arafa day. It is mentioned that fasting this day cleans one's sins from the previous year and the upcoming year.
Like every other Holiday, people gather and families reunite to celebrate together this Holy Day. Big feasts take place and women prepare all kinds of desserts and goodies to share with others. Children dress up and visit relatives who give them money and candy. People donate money, clothes and food to the less fortunate to share the spirit of the Holiday.
As the Adha is amost here, I ask God to forgive us all and bring us happiness and joy.
May God bring peace to the world, especially the Arabic world as it is going through tough days.
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