Eidul Adha – What is the essence of it?
At the end of this month, we will be celebrating Eidul Adha, another holiday celebrated by Muslims all over the world.
Yet, unfortunately, till to-date, I felt the essence of the celebration is not being instilled today, into the Muslim community of where I live.
Eidul Adha as what was defined in Wikipedia: Festival of Sacrifice" or "Greater Eid" which commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Prophet Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah.
So it’s about sacrifice? Yeah Prophet Ibrahim sacrifices his son, so in turn We sacrifice our herds, be it camel, goat or cow. But what’s the big deal about sacrificing our herds? What’s the essence behind it? The niyyah? What actually are we sacrificing? Our money for a herd in akhirah? Well maybe. But how many ‘herds’ do we actually need?
And Why is it called “Greater Eid” when it is not celebrated as “great” in our region? What happen to the greatness?
I do believe there is barakah in every slaughtering and the rewards of providing people but is that all? Personally, I feel sacrificing means a lot more than slaughtering herds.
If you look back in history about sacrifices made by Prophet Ibrahim A.S. , He, didn’t have a descendant at first and when he got Prophet Ismail, he actually was ordered by Allah to sent wife and son to a rural, hot and dry place. Imagine, after waiting for sooo long, he has to part with his son and not only that, he would be compromising his beloved wife and son's survival. What did he have at the point of time? Patience. And trust. Two words that means alot.
He simply obeyed.
When Ismail has grown up, that’s when he met his son. What was he told to do? Kill him. Hmm. Yet again he simply obeyed. Which man with right of mind would do that in our time?
Would we have enough faith to do what Prophet Ibrahim did? We might even question, why God wants us to kill our own blood? Why couldn't He see us happy?
Eidul Adha would be a good time to slowly increase our faith through sacrifices for Allah:
Sacrifice our ego – Stand in prayers with humility before the Lord while asking for His forgiveness whether you think you are in a wrong or not. Just be humble.
Humble towards people. Forgive people who did wrong to you and ask forgiveness to those you have wronged or those who thought you've wronged them even you are NOT at FAULT!
Sacrifice our nafs Al Ammaarah:
"And God wants to turn unto you in His mercy, whereas those who follow [only] their own lusts want you to drift far away from the right path." (An-Nisa :27)
We have to admit, Forbidden fruit always seems to taste sweeter. Yeah its hard, but it is possible and proven by our Prophet s.a.w. While we are never perfect as him, we strive hard to be the best we can be.
Sacrifice our nafs refers to leaving what causes displeasure to Allah. Disobeying the parents, lying, backbiting, stealing, involving with the opposite sex and etc.
Sacrificing our money:
Give part of what we have earned for Allah's sake. Give food to the poor. Donate money to authentic Islamic Organizations and mosques. Pay zakat on time.
"..but it may happen that ye hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that ye love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knoweth, ye know not." (Al-Baqarah : 216)
Sacrificing our time:
In this time, we are often engaged with bustling activities that often made us - BUSY. The sad part is that, we are not busy of gathering as many rewards for our Akhirah but it is more of Dunya, dunya, dunya. Pay billls, pay car loans. Food. Shopping.
There seem no end to this.
If only we could spare some time for Allah - actually we already did, 5 times a day - but is that enough? 5 times a day - i'd say its the most basic. minimalist. It is like eating rice without gravy.
Take a spiritual holiday.Visit the baitullah. Indulge in spiritual activities. Night prayers. Nafl prayers. Fasting. Be close to Allah. Its a pure entertainment. Both the body and spirit will enjoy Insya Allah.
Since Eidul Adha is ust around the corner, what are you sacrificing?
LadyNyssa
3:48 AM
