One of our projects in Sendai is to promote people to the halal foods. At Tohoku University

Cafeteria you can spot the halal marks on some menu such as curry, chicken and others. The

recent halal foods are available in Tohoku University Medical Department and we hope that

we can provide more to the Muslim society.

The halal foods are based on this file so if you want to check or refer you can visit here.

We are grateful to spread the Words. Please lend a hand to this project and may Allah bless us all! 

 

·        What does the word “Eid mean”?

The word "Eid" appears in Chapter 5 of the Qur'an, meaning 'solemn
festival'.

·        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 2010, Eid al-Adha began on approximately
November 17th, and lasted 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for his Lord superceded all others, which he would lay down his own life
or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God (the word
Islam means “submission”). 

·        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 (the sacrificed
animal) 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?