Eid Al-Adha, The celebration of the sacrifice
فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ السَّعْيَ قَالَ يَا بُنَيَّ إِنّـِي أَرَي فِي الْمَنَامِ أَنّـِي أَذْبَحُكَ فَانظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَي قَالَ يَآ أَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ سَتَجِدُنِي
شَآءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّابِرِينَ َلَمَّآ أَسْلَمَا وَتَلَّهُ لِلْجَبِينِ فَلَمَّآ أَسْلَمَا وَتَلَّهُ لِلْجَبِينِ وَنَادَيْنَاهُ أَن يَآ إِبْرَاهِيمُ قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ الرُّؤْيَآ كَذَلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُـحْسِنِينَ إِنَّ هَذَا لَهُوَ الْبَلآءُ الْمُبِينُ وَفَدَيْنَاهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيمٍ
وَتَرَكْنَا عَلَيْهِ فِي الأَخِرِينَ
سَلاَمٌ عَلَي اِبْرَاهِيمَ كَذَلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ
“And when he (the son) reached (the age of working) with him he said: ‘O my son! Verily I see in a dream that I shall sacrifice you. Now see what is your view. He said: ‘O’ my father! Do what you are commanded; you will find me, Allah willing, of the patient ones’.”
“So when they both submitted (to Our command) and he (Abraham) laid him (the son) prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice),” “And We called out to him: ‘O Abraham!’” “Indeed you have proved true the dream; verily thus do We reward the doers of good!” “This is indeed the manifest trial.” “And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.” “And We left (praise) for him among generations (to come) in later times.” “Peace be on Abraham.” “Thus do We recompense the doers of good,”
–(Quran 37:102-110)
“So when they both submitted (to Our command) and he (Abraham) laid him (the son) prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice),” “And We called out to him: ‘O Abraham!’” “Indeed you have proved true the dream; verily thus do We reward the doers of good!” “This is indeed the manifest trial.” “And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.” “And We left (praise) for him among generations (to come) in later times.” “Peace be on Abraham.” “Thus do We recompense the doers of good,”
–(Quran 37:102-110)
Eid Al-Adha is a vital celebration in the religion of Islam, it incapsulates the beauty and necessity of having faith in God. The history of this celebration began with Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Ismail (peace be upon them). One night Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) had a disturbing dream. He dreamt that God told him to sacrifice Ismail. Prophet Ibrahim thought it was Shaytan, the devil, playing tricks on him. The next night he had the same horrid dream. Ibrahim knew that God would only ask him to do such a thing if he had good reason. Even though he loved his son dearly, he was prepared to do this difficult thing for God. Ibrahim told Ismail they had to go to Mount Arafat. He took a knife and a rope with him. On the way they passed a place called Mina. The devil, came to Ibrahim and tried to talk him out of sacrificing his son. Ibrahim turned his back on him and would not listen. When they reached Mount Arafat, Ibrahim told Ismail what God wanted him to do. Ismail listened and accepted what was to happen. He was an exceptional child, and was too a great prophet. Ismail told his father to tie his hands and legs and blindfold himself so he would not struggle and make his father even more upset than he was going to be and Ibrahim was blindfolded so he would not see his son suffer. Ibrahim did as Ismail had said. He then took the knife and did what God had told him to do. When he took the blindfold from his eyes he looked down, not at his son but at a dead ram. Ismail was at his side. At first prophet Ibrahim was afraid thinking that he had disobeyed his Lord. But then he heard a voice telling him not to worry for God looks after his followers. Ibrahim and Ismail had passed a difficult test.
The story of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail’s highlights the significance of faith and trust in God. Prophet Ibrahim’s test was grand and difficult, and it is remembered and recalled annually to remind the believers to have trust in their lord especially in difficulties. Eid Al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Thulhija, directly after the day of Arafa. Muslims around the globe honor this day by adorning in new clothes, bathing as a form of pureness and cleanliness, performing the Eid prayer, reciting praises to the all Merciful God, and as prophet Ibrahim ‘sacrificing’ cattle in order to give and provide to the less fortunate.
Eid Al-Ath’ha is a beautiful holiday that reflects multiple lessons and morals to act upon. It is a time where unity shines within a community and families are brought closer together to celebrate and act upon Prophets Ibrahim’s and Ismail’s unwavering faith to their lord.
Eid Al-Ath’ha is a beautiful holiday that reflects multiple lessons and morals to act upon. It is a time where unity shines within a community and families are brought closer together to celebrate and act upon Prophets Ibrahim’s and Ismail’s unwavering faith to their lord.
Sources:
- https://www.al-islam.org/stories-prophets/sacrifice-prophet-ibrahim
- https://ar.wikishia.net/view/%D8%B9%D9%8A%D8%AF_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B6%D8%AD%D9%89
- https://www.al-islam.org/enlightening-commentary-light-holy-quran-vol-15/section-3-great-sacrifice-shifted#surah-saffat-verses-99-102
- Figure 1: https://dkstatics-public.digikala.com/digikala-products/2074968.jpg
- Figure2: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ce/1e/f0/ce1ef0bf1fa874ab5a03772f4f96290a.jpg
