Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The greatest day in the sight of Allah, may He be blessed and exalted, the Day of Sacrifice . . .” (Reported by Abu Dawud; see also Sahih al-Jami‘, 1064).

Reflection on why this day is so great:

Core Connection Between Submission and Sacrifice

At its core, Islam is “al-istiṣlām li-Llāh” submission to Allah. The Day of Sacrifice is the core of that submission. Prophet Ibrāhīm (ʿalayhis salām) was commanded to sacrifice his son — the most beloved of his earthly possessions — to demonstrate that nothing is more beloved than Allah.

In commemorating this event, Muslims around the world echo that same submission by sacrificing animals only for the sake of Allah, reciting His name and intending solely His pleasure. Thus, Yawm an-Naḥr stands as the manifestation of the essence of Islam — submission through sacrifice. No other day so viscerally represents the test of faith and absolute surrender like this one.

Completion of the Rites of Hajj — The Fifth Pillar

The day marks the climax of Ḥajj, the fifth pillar of Islam:On this day, pilgrims:

  • Stone the pillars at Jamarāt (symbolizing the rejection of Shayṭān),
  • Sacrifice animals,
  • Shave their heads or cut their hair,
  • Perform Ṭawāf al-Ifāḍah around the Kaʿbah.

These are all acts purification, humility, and obedience.This day combines physical effort, spiritual devotion, and ritual observance in a way no other day does. It becomes the prime example of collective ‘ubūdiyyah (servanthood).

Unity and Universal Remembrance

Every Muslim, whether performing Ḥajj or not, is united in ‘ibādah: Performing Eid prayers,

sacrificing animals, glorifying Allah (Takbīrāt), remembering Prophets Ibrāhīm and Ismāʿīl (peace be upon them), feeding the poor and kin.

A wave of worship across the globe is created on this day unifying millions of souls to turn in remembrance and obedience to their Creator.

Finally, we have Mercy and Redemption — A Day of Divine Generosity

Prophet Muhammad said, “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of ʿArafah…”(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim) And what follows that? The Day of Naḥr (Sacrifice) — where: forgiveness continues and mercy unfolds, rewards for good deeds are multiplied, acts of charity are performed unity. It is a day where Allah gives and gives — from His mercy, forgiveness, provision, and nearness. Its greatness is not only what humans do, but also in how Allah responds.