Monica is from the West Midlands and is currently working in higher education. Nature lover, bookworm extraordinaire, and in hot pursuit of the white rabbit!
Every year, by the will of Allah, we come together during the month of Dhul-Hijjah to rejoice and celebrate Eid-ul-Adha.
It is the time when Hajj is completed, we offer Qurbani: the sacrifice, and we celebrate this joyous occasion by dressing in our best clothes, special prayers, family, friends, company, and good food…Alhamdulillah!
But what are the origins of this? And what are we actually celebrating?
We can trace it back to the times of Allah’s esteemed prophet, Ibrahim (AS). He was our prophet who was tested intensely and uniquely, and subhan’Allah, by the power of Allah, he succeeded in all of his gruelling challenges.
We can certainly take so much lesson, meaning, and inspiration from these tests; and the beauty of these lessons is that they are so magnificent, profound, and relevant to the issues we face today.
Of course, since our beloved Lord, Allah SWT has given us guidance, a manual, subhan’Allah.
“…the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Quran 2:185)
Ibrahim (AS) was the trailblazer in defying norms, staying true to what is right, firm in moral code and principle, not conforming, and speaking up against a society which was engaged in immoral acts and wrongdoing.
What’s more, is that he did this all from such a young age.
Ibrahim (AS) faced many trials being the advocate for tawheed in a place full of shirk.
He was well aware of the undesirable and grave consequences of standing up, in the name of Allah, for Islam. Consequences such as being ridiculed, abused, alienated, and exiled; but he was firm, resolute and acted steadfastly, all in the name of truth, and more than anything, due to his unwavering loyalty and dutifulness to Allah.
Ibrahim (AS) even challenged his own father; and although he held his father in high regard as Ibrahim (AS) was raised by him, he couldn’t stand by and accept his blatant practise of shirk.
“[His father] said, ‘Have you no desire for my gods, O Abraham (Ibrahim)? If you do not desist, I will surely stone you, so avoid me a prolonged time.’” (Quran19:46)
As Muslims, we are directed to be unwavering, and perseverant in the path of truth and justice.
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just.” (Quran 4:135)
Ibrahim’s (AS) challenges were a testament to his faith and trust in Allah. This included his willingness of being thrown into the fire, which was prepared for him by his antagonists but cooled as a mercy and miracle by Allah.
Then later on in his life, when his wife Hajar (AS) gave birth to their son, Ismaeel (AS), Ibrahim (AS) complied with Allah’s command to leave them both alone in a desert, stranded with no food or water, nothing…
Following this, when Ismaeel (AS) had become a young child, Ibrahim (AS) returned to face an even tougher and more intense trial – sacrificing his own son.
As his father, he loved his son, but he loved Allah more
Can we even imagine putting ourselves in any of these very impossible situations?
Subhan’Allah – each time He submitted to Allah’s command and will, Allah responded with His aid, and Ibrahim (AS) succeeded in the trial: the fire was cooled, Hajar, when left, was blessed with Zam Zam water, and Allah (SWT) sent down a ram in Ismaeel’s (AS) place just as his sacrifice was about to be underway.
So, this is why today, we continue to follow this tradition of sacrificing an animal during Eid-ul-Adha; we commemorate that Ibrahim (AS) was willing to sacrifice to His lord, and his own son at that! On top of this, his son was in agreement with the sacrifice. Subhan’Allah.
Reflecting on this great account of Ibrahim (AS), we can see that there is much significance and meaning.
Despite all the intense trials he endured, Ibrahim (AS) placed his trust and reliance in Allah, and never once disengaged. This serves as a brilliant example of complete submission and devotion, true obedience to Allah!
It may be that at times, Allah creates a situation which is something undesirable to us, or against our own will; this could be family issues, the death of loved ones, or even recent events in Gaza and many other war-torn countries around the world.
It is all part of Allah’s divine will and perfect plan.
He knows best, and always decrees what is best for us. Submitting and surrendering to His will is the epitome of Islam.
In essence, what we are celebrating during Eid-ul Adha is Ibrahim (AS)’s unwavering commitment to Allah. Ibrahim (AS)’s story teaches us that Allah will never let us go no matter what we go through, and this is something for us to be happy about and celebrate.
Ibrahim (AS) already endured and passed the hardest tests and succeeded so why should we worry? Allah has not put us at that level of difficulty, so we celebrate that Allah will never leave our side, Subhan’Allah
“And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham…and hold fast to Allah. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper.” (Quran 22:78)
I pray that all our wonderful readers have a blessed Eid and can rejoice in the unparalleled beauty of Islam, and the love of our most Loving, Praiseworthy God, Allah SWT! Ameen.
