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Islam is a religion of truth and peace. It envisages a complete way of life, which suggests an ideal life in this world, as well as brings the recognition of Allah. All its rituals are based on physical, mental, moral and spiritual benefits. Eid Al-Adha-The true spirit.
Eid Al-Adha, عيد الأضحى means, “The Feast of the Sacrifice.” it is one of the two major celebrations in Islam, which takes place on the last day of the Hajj, the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
This unique event, honors the willingness and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ, which is commemorated annually, at the Hajj in Mecca every year.
This phenomenal event is narrated in Al Quran
۞فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ السَّعۡىَ قَالَ يٰبُنَىَّ اِنِّىۡۤ اَرٰى فِى الۡمَنَامِ اَنِّىۡۤ اَذۡبَحُكَ فَانْظُرۡ مَاذَا تَرٰىؕ قَالَ يٰۤاَبَتِ افۡعَلۡ مَا تُؤۡمَرُ سَتَجِدُنِىۡۤ اِنۡ شَآءَ اللّٰهُ مِنَ الصّٰبِرِيۡنَ
And when he was old enough to go about and work with him, (one day) Ibrahim said to him: “My son, I see in my dream that I am slaughtering you. So consider (and tell me) what you think.” He said: “Do as you are bidden. You will find me, if Allah so wills, among the steadfast.” (Surah Al-Saffat 37:102)
Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ and Ismael عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ had such great belief in Allah’s command that they decided to accept and do exactly as instructed. When Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ was about to sacrifice his son, he found that Allah had replaced Ismael عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ with a lamb. Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ had proved his devotion to Allah, so his son was spared.
فَلَمَّاۤ اَسۡلَمَا وَتَلَّهٗ لِلۡجَبِيۡنِ ۞ وَنَادَيۡنٰهُ اَنۡ يّٰۤاِبۡرٰهِيۡمُۙ۞ قَدۡ صَدَّقۡتَ الرُّءۡيَا ۚ اِنَّا كَذٰلِكَ نَجۡزِى الۡمُحۡسِنِيۡن ۞
When both surrendered (to Allah’s command) and Ibrahim flung the son down on his forehead, we cried out, “O Ibrahim, you have indeed fulfilled your dream. Thus do we reward the good-doers.” (Surah Al-Saffat 37:103-105)
۞اِنَّ هٰذَا لَهُوَ الۡبَلٰٓؤُا الۡمُبِيۡن
This was indeed a plain trial. (Surah Al-Saffat 37:106)
The purpose of sacrifice in Eid al-Adha is not about shedding of blood. The story of Prophet Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ teaches us the strength of belief in Allah, to an extent that he actually tried to slaughter his only son, in way of Allah. Off course it was a tough trial which he delivered and Allah made this event to be followed by all Muslims till the end time.
۞لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ كَذَٰلِكَ سَخَّرَهَا لَكُمْ لِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have we subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good. (Surah Noah 22:37)
Today, we lack this spirit and strength to sacrifice in the way of Allah and submit to his will. Unfortunately, for us these ceremonies have become a show-off, and the true spirit of belief and sacrifice, which is the soul is lost.
Jazakallah Khair