Eid-al- Adha a festival of sacrifice is celebrated all over the world. This festival is celebrated in the remembrance of prophet Abraham’s readiness to forfeit his son Isma’il, Prophet Abraham had shown that his love for God superseded all others.
Muslims commemorate this ultimate act of sacrifice every year during Eid al-Adha.
The story of Ibrahim, known as Abraham by Jews and Christians, is a very significant one for followers of all three faiths. It appears in the Torah and the Bible, as well as the Qur’an. Prophet Ibrahim demonstrates true obedience to Allah as he comes so close to sacrificing his own son. It is found in the Jewish Torah and the Christian Old Testament (Genesis 22). Here God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isma’il .
Although Abraham was ready to sacrifice his dearest for God’s sake, he could not just bring his son to the place of sacrifice without his consent. Ishma’il had to be consulted as to whether he was willing to give up his life in fulfillment of God’s command. This consultation would be a major test of Ishma’il’s maturity in faith; love and commitment for God; willingness to obey his father; and readiness to sacrifice his own life for the sake of God.
Thus the message of Eid-al- Adha is the total submission of one self before the decree of Allah. Hope the festivities of Eid –al- Adha will not astray us from our path of submission. Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham’s trials, by themselves slaughtering animal. It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This act is normally misunderstood.
The slaughtering of animals is also misunderstood. We all know Allah has allowed us to eat meat. 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.
