Fulfilling man’s duty to god

Our Lord! Make us Muslims, bowing to your will!:

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The ultimate wisdom of this feast is the concept of sacrifice. For this reason it is called the Feast of Sacrifice, or Eid-ul-Adha. The term ‘sacrifice’ is not exclusively used for the ‘sacrifice’ of flesh of certain animals. That also implies sacrifice of one’s time, efforts, energy, knowledge, wealth, even one’s own personal life in obedience to Allah’s order. Because the meaning of ‘sacrifice’ bears the rational concept of giving when you are in ‘need’, or else it cannot be a sacrifice.

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By Panchamee HEWAVISSENTI

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Muslims all over the world celebrate and commemorate the occasion of the feast of sacrifice, Eid-ul-Adha. In this feast, Muslims from all over the world go to Mecca to perform the fifth pillar of Islam - Hajj. Allah says in his glorious book - And proclaim the pilgrimage among people of the world: they will come to you on foot, and on back of swift camels from every distant quarter; they will come to avail themselves of many benefits and to pronounce on the appointed days, the name of Allah over the cattle which He has given them. Eat of their flesh yourselves, and feed the indigent and unfortunate,” (22:27,28)

So, Muslims submit to the will of Almighty Allah and go for the pilgrimage and say:

“O my Lord! I have accepted Your call”!

O my Lord! There is none worthy to be worshipped besides You.

O my Lord! I do exalt You and do not associate anyone with You.

O my Lord! Praise be to You, blessing come from You and You are the master of the universe.

O my Lord! You are one and eternal.

What we as Muslims should remember is that this house of worship was the first house of God on earth for mankind. Allah says in the Quran: “The first House of Worship ever to be built (as sanctuary) for humankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), a blessed place, a beacon for the nations. In it are clear signs and the spot where Ibrahim (pbuh) stood, whoever enters it attain security and safety.”

Pilgrimage to the House therefore is a duty of men to God for all those who can afford the journey. Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) and his son Ismail(pbuh) were to raise the foundation of the ka’ba. In this regard Allah-Subhanu-Wa-Taala says in his book:

“And remember Ibrahim (pbuh) and his son Ismail(pbuh) while raising the foundation of the House they said: “Our Lord! Accept this service from us; for You are All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.”

“Our Lord! Make us Muslims, bowing to Your will, and of our descendants a Muslim nation, bowing to Your will; and show us our places for performing of due rites; and turn unto us in mercy, for You are the Forgiving, the Most Merciful.” (2:127-128)

This Eid, the feast of Sacrifice reminds the Muslims of many things.

The pilgrimage is an International Convention for Muslims from all over the world, irrespective of colour, nationality, language, social status or economical level. More than two million Muslims from all over the world get together in one place at one time once every year. They discuss their local problems, share their views and ideas and come to common terms and mutual understanding.

The concept of pilgrimage is a concept of peace. When Muslims perform pilgrimage they attain peace within themselves, peace with their souls, peace with their Lord, thus it leads to peace within the local and in the globe.

Muslims leave the city of Mecca with peace of mind and spirit and with love for humanity. When they are back in their homelands, they bring with them peace and tranquillity which are mandatory aspects of the contemporary established society.

Performing Hajj - the pilgrimage, explicitly depicts the concept of loyalty to Allah Almighty. A Muslim entrusts all his loyalty to Allah and to Allah alone. A Muslim has to pledge to Allah and has to give an oath that he worships none but Allah and to impose rules and regulations of Allah before his personal opinion.

The Feast of Sacrifice reminds the Muslims of the Prophet Ibrahim(pbuh), who was to sacrifice his own beloved child Ismail (pbuh); and Allah blessed him with a ram as a substitute. Based upon this incident, Muslims are requested to make a sacrifice during the occasion of Eid. Moreover, it is not a symbolic remembrance, but a reality of sacrifice for the love of Allah Subhanu-wa-Taala.

“My Lord! Grant me a righteous son. So we gave him tidings of a gentle son. And when (his son) was old enough to work with him (Ibrahim) said; O my dear son, I have seen in dream that I must sacrifice you. So look, what do you think? He said: O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Allah-willing, you shall find me of the steadfast. When they had both surrendered to Allah, and he flung him down upon his face. We called unto him: O Ibrahim! You have already fulfilled this vision. Lo! Thus do we reward the good. Lo! That verily was a clear test.

Then we ransomed him with big sacrifice. And we left for him among the later fold (the salutation): Peace be unto Ibrahim!

Thus do we reward the good.

Lo! He is one of our believing servants” (37:100-11)

The rituals of the Pilgrimage bring to our attention the concept of brotherhood, equality, justice and universality.

This can be observed when one sees more than 2 million people gather at one place, performing the same ritual, wearing the same white garments, addressing themselves to the Eternal and Universal Lord.

Fasting and prayers

Muslims are also expected to fast on the ninth day of Zul Hijjah (the 12th month) if not on pilgrimage. This day precedes the Feast of Sacrifice. As far as pilgrims are concerned, they are not to fast the day preceding the Feast as it would be an added hardship to fulfil the spiritual rites and rituals during the pilgrimage.

Muslims throng at Mosques to perform Eid prayers and to celebrate the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha which is a sign of faith in Allah and Iman and love for Allah. When we gather for prayers, it denotes the sincerity, dedication and our loyalty to Allah the Exalted. We go there on Eid day neither for fun nor for business, but for Allah and Allah alone.

Rendering your assistance

Eid, the Festival is to rejoice the blessings of Allah. While you are rejoicing on the festival day, just look around whether there are those who need your help. Even your own neighbours, whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims, might need your help and support. It is clearly mentioned in a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in which he said: “He is not a believer who enjoys dinner and goes to sleep while his neighbour is hungry.”

As Muslims believe Allah is the creator of this universe. He is the creator of the humankind. So all these people are our sisters and brothers. Let’s help each other as members in one family.

As a ritual Muslims donate one third of the meat to the needy, one third to friends and neighbours and one third to themselves and their family to enjoy.

It is of great importance to visit our brothers and sisters in Islam in order to strengthen the bond among Muslims who believe in one and only God - Allah.

There might have been some disagreements or disputes among us so that this is the time to visit each other and reconcile since this festival of Hajj denotes and spread the unity and peace. Invoke forgiveness from Allah and let Him forgive. May Allah bless us all, accept our Kurba’n and prayers.... Ameen!

Assalamu Alaikum wa Eid Mubarak!