It is the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah, a month which holds the best 10 days of the year. It is the month where we must spend our time reflecting on the mercy of Allah (SWT) and engaging in good deeds. It is also a time we send our pilgrims on their way to hajj. But amidst all the frenzy to give in charity, fast, and prepare for Eid, we sometimes forget the significance behind the month. We forget the story. We forget the miracle. So, what exactly is Eid-Al-Adha about?
A father’s sacrifice
Eid- al-Adha occurs on the 10th day in the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Dhul Hijjah.It marks the completion of the holy pilgrimage of hajj, which is obligatory on all able-bodied and financially able Muslims. It is one of the five pillars of Islam, demonstrating its importance.
The day people celebrate will depend on the sighting of the moon. For those making the pilgrimage, the journey begins on the eighth of Dhul Hijjah. Muslims on hajj travel to Makkah to begin the sacred rituals in accordance with the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). We follow in his footsteps as he acted in commemoration of his prophetic predecessor Ibrahim (peace be upon him). The hajj commemorates parts of Prophet Ibrahim’s life as well as the lives of his wife Hajar and son Ismail. The focus of Eid-al-Adha is the commemoration of Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) sacrifice.
Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was a friend of Allah: “For Allah did take Ibrahim for (an intimate) friend.” (Quran 4:125)
He was a model for good adhab, or manners, as noted in Surah An-Nahl: “Ibrahim was indeed a model. Devoutly obedient to Allah, and true in faith, and he joined not gods with Allah.” (Quran 16:20)
Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was the son of an idol-maker. He was surrounded by an entire tribe that rejected tawheed, the oneness of God. Yet he argued with his father and the other unbelievers about the existence of Allah (SWT). His efforts led to the destruction of the idols in the Kabah.
As an adult, Ibrahim (peace be upon him) dreamed Allah (SWT) commanded him to sacrifice his son Ismail (peace be upon him). Initially he believed it was Shaytan tricking him to commit an evil deed. However, when he had the dream again, he realized it was indeed a directive from Allah (SWT).
This news was difficult for Ibrahim (peace be upon him) because he loved Ismail (peace be upon him),but he had full conviction in his faith and Allah’s (SWT) plan. He told his son what he was commanded to do, and Ismail (peace be upon him) understood as well. He too was a believer and wanted his father to follow his Lord’s command.
When Ismail reached the age to work with his father, Ibrahim (peace be upon him) said, “O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I ˹must˺ sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.” He replied, “O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.”(Quran 37:102)
In the moment in which Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was ready to sacrifice his son, Allah (SWT) removed Ismail(peace be upon him) from harm’s way and replaced him with a ram who was slaughtered instead. It is said that Allah (SWT) wanted to reward Ibrahim’s(peace be upon him) obedience and spared the life of his beloved son.
What are you sacrificing?
Today, we don’t engage in any ritual human sacrifice. We are not commanded to harm anyone, but we are commanded to remember Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) sacrifice by slaughtering an animal – normally a sheep or goat – or paying someone to slaughter one on our behalf. Beyond this requirement, we also are encouraged to fast during the nine days of Dhul Hijjah, specifically the ninth day, which is sunnah. Just like during Ramadan, we sacrifice food and water for the sake of our Lord (SWT).
But what else can we sacrifice for Allah (SWT)? Perhaps during these blessed days, we give more to charity and spend more time performing good deeds for family. And what about after? Is there a haram relationship to give up? Is there a type of clothing to give away because it’s not modest enough. Maybe there is a favorite television show or musician you no longer want to support or listen to because it is tainting the heart? What in your life are you willing to sacrifice to prove your love and devotion to Allah (SWT)?
Ways to commemorate
Besides fasting, you should spend your time in deep contemplation of Allah (SWT). There are great series from Yaqeen Institute and Celebrate Mercy to help us reflect and ponder upon our deen. Listen to and read more Quran, and spend time with other Muslims who also are working to move closer to Allah (SWT). Most importantly, when it comes time for Eid, take the time to celebrate! Just as some of us take time to partake in western holidays, we should prioritize celebrating Eid. So, spend the day enjoying good food and good people while in remembrance of Allah (SWT)!
