AlMujtaba Islamic Articles > Eid
 

EID AL-ADH-HA

 

EID AL-ADH-HA means ‘the festival of sacrifice’ and it is celebrated on the 10th day of the 12th month of the lunar calendar known as the month of Dhul-Hijjah.

 

On this day, the pilgrims to Mecca proceed to Mina after remembering and praying to Allah (SWT) at Mash’ar al-Haraam also known as Muzdalifah. In Mina, the pilgrims:

 

  • Stone Jamratul-‘Uqbah

  • Offer sacrifice of sheep and

  • Shave their hair (men)

 

These rituals are performed in compliance to the command of Allah (SWT).

 

The reason why this day is known as Al-Adh-ha is because it was on this day that Allah (SWT) put Prophet Abraham (as) to a very big test of sacrificing his son Ishmael. Abraham (as) succeeded in this trial.

 

On 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, Prophet Abraham (as) saw a dream that he was sacrificing his son Ishmael (as). This day is known as Yaum al-Tarwiyah. The dream was repeated on the following day known as Yaum al-‘Arafah and this convinced Prophet Abraham (as) that it was the command of Allah (SWT) and that he had to discharge it accordingly.

 

He (as) told his wife Hajrah to prepare Ishmael for a journey to a friend’s house, and provide him with a rope and a knife, and then both, the father and the son set out. Ishmael was 13 years then. When they reached between the hillocks of Safa and Marwa, Abraham (as) disclosed his dream to Ishmael (as) and sought his opinion in the matter. Quran describes this beautifully in the following manner.

 

Prophet Abraham (as) prayed:

 

“O Lord! Grant me a righteous son. So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing son. When (his son) reached (the age of) working with him, he said, ‘My son! Verily I saw a dream that I was sacrificing you. So what is your opinion?’ The son said, ‘Father! Do what you been commanded. If Allah wills, you will find me of the steadfast.” (37:100-102)

 

Shaytan appeared in a form of an old man and tried to persuade Abraham (as) against offering his only son as a sacrifice. When he failed, he then persuaded Ishmael to save himself and escape. Father and son, both of them understood the scheme of Shaytan and chased him away by way of throwing stones at him.

 

Finally they arrived at the spot of sacrifice. Before laying his son on the ground, upon his request, Prophet Abraham (as) tied the hands and the legs of his son and blindfolded himself lest he is disturbed by the pain and restlessness of his son. Abraham (as) then took the knife and enacted the command of Allah (SWT). When he (as) removed his fold, he saw his son standing by his side and in his place; a lamb lay slain before them. Abraham (as) trembled fearing that his sacrifice was rejected. Then he heard a voice and Quran says:

 

“And We called out: O Abraham! Verily you have made truth your dream. Verily, thus We recompense those who do good. Verily that was an open trial. We ransomed him with a great sacrifice. We perpetuated (his praise) in later generations. Peace be upon Abraham.” (37:104-109)

 

LESSONS FOR US:

 

  1. Like Abraham (as), we must also have firm belief in Allah (SWT) and obey all His commands without arguments.

 

  1. Abraham (as) was willing to sacrifice his most valuable asset (Ishmael) for the sake of Allah (SWT). Following in his footsteps, we should also have similar enthusiasm. God does not want us to sacrifice our children in the same manner as Abraham (as), we should then strive to sacrifice our wealth, time and other assets for the sake of Allah (SWT).

 

  1. We must always be steadfast in our belief and faith in Allah (SWT).

 

On this auspicious occasion of Eid al-Adh-ha, we extend our greetings and felicitations to all Muslims –EID MUBARAK

 

 

Mulla Mujahidali Sheriff

mulla@almahdi.org.uk


Source: http://www.almahdi.org.uk