Eid al-Adha Meaning of "The Festival of Sacrifice"

What is Eid al-Adha?
At the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca), Muslims
throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of
Sacrifice). In 2013, Eid al-Adha will begin on or around October 15th,
and will last for three days.
What does Eid al-Adha commemorate?
During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and
triumphs of the Prophet Abraham. The Qur'an describes Abraham as
follows:
"Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright,
and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties.
We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in
this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the
righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121)
One of Abraham's main trials was to face the command of Allah to kill
his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to
Allah's will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him
that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his
love for his Lord superceded all others, that he would lay down his
own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.
Why do Muslims sacrifice an animal on this day?
During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and
remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such
as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by
those outside the faith.
Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but
only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life.
Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By
saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded
that life is sacred.
The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to
others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives,
one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the
poor. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of
benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's
commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our
own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those
who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and
we should open our hearts and share with others.
It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as
practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or
using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding
by those of previous generations: "It is not their meat nor their
blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an
22:37)
The symbolism is in the attitude - a willingness to make sacrifices in
our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes
small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A
true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is
willing to follow Allah's commands completely and obediently. It is
this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that
our Lord desires from us.
What else do Muslims do to celebrate the holiday?
On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend
morning prayers at their local mosques. Prayers are followed by visits
with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts. At
some point, members of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise
will make arrangements for the slaughter of an animal. The meat is
distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter.