Writes Shahzad Hussain Hamdani
The fasting person rejoices and celebrates every sunset in Ramadan, for the sunset signifies the achievement of his victory over himself during the laborious entire day. The journey in the month of Ramadan we develop strict control of our desires and needs, our thoughts and deeds and became the captain of the master control room of the self. After this, Allah gives us two months and ten days to prepare ourselves for the Eid of Sacrifice (‘Id ulAdha), also called the Major ‘Id or ‘Id ulKabīr. This is part two of the examination of post-graduate studies for higher spiritual achievement, and begins on the first day of the month of Shawwāl, i.e. on ‘Id ulFiṭr day itself. Our striving in Ramadan, however difficult it was, is nothing compared to the sacrifice we should be striving for in part two of the exam. Only then we would be actually qualified to celebrate the Eid of Sacrifice or ‘Id ulAdha. Sacrifice is usually thought of as slaughter of an animal for an offering to Allah, soon after the ‘Id prayers (Quran 108:2) and distributing the meat. But looking at it from another angle, sacrifice in its true sense means: giving away something of immense value and importance for the sake of Allah alone. It is also not so difficult to sacrifice time and money, all for the sake of Allah and it only involves a twist of the wrist. It is more difficult to sacrifice pleasures and comforts, pride and ego, professional status, and family ties.
When Abraham (A.S) had a recurring dream, in which God was commanding him to offer his son as a sacrifice – an unimaginable act – sacrificing his son, which God had granted him after many years of deep prayer. Abraham knew that the dreams of the prophets were divinely inspired, and one of the ways in which God communicated with his prophets. When the intent of the dreams became clear to him, Abraham(A.S) decided to fulfill God’s command and offer Ishmael for sacrifice.This is mentioned in the Qur’an as follows:
“O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!” So We gave him the good news of a boy, possessing forbearance. And when (his son) was old enough to walk and work with him, (Abraham) said: O my dear son, I see in vision that I offer you in sacrifice: Now see what your view is!” (The son) said: “O my father! Do what you are commanded; if Allah wills, you will find me one practicing patience and steadfastness!” So when they both submitted and he threw him down upon his forehead, We called out to him saying: O Ibrahim! You have indeed fulfilled the vision; surely thus do We reward those who do good. Most surely this was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice. And We perpetuated (praise) to him among the later generations. “Peace and salutation to Abraham!” Thus indeed do We reward those who do right. Surely he was one of Our believing servants.
In the Book (Nahjul-Balaghah), a sermon of Hazrat Imam Ali (A.S)is mentioned which was delivered on the day of Eid al-Fitr, in whichhe said:
“O people! Verily this day of yours is the day when the righteous are awarded and the wretched are losers. It is a day which is similar to the one on which you shall be standing (before your Lord). Therefore, when you come out of your homes to go to places of your prayer, remind yourselves about the day when you (your souls) shall come out of your bodies to go to your Lord. When you stand on places of your prayer, remind yourselves of your standing in presence of your Lord (on the day of Judgment). And when you return to your homes (after prayer), remind yourselves about your returning to your homes in Paradise
Hazrat Ali (A.S) also said in his sermon: “Eid is for him whose fasts have been accepted by Allah, and whose worship has been appreciated by Allah. Every day in which you do not disobey Allah is a day of Eid.”
Thus the message of this blessed day is that how Ibrahim (‘alayhi salaam) performed the upbringing of his son that his son was like his father, same passion when it comes to fulfilling the commandment of his Lord, Allah. This is a message for us as parents; our children are what we are and what we make them.
The message behind this glorious day is, that how much Ibrahim (‘alayhi salaam) loved Allah that he could even slaughter his only son if this act pleases Allah. We remember our deeds, if we cannot slaughter our evil desires for the sake of Allah, then celebrating this day is like other people of ”faith” celebrate their festivals.
This message of this blessed day is that how Ibrahim (‘alayhi salaam) performed the upbringing of his son that his son was like his father, same passion when it comes to fulfilling the commandment of his Lord, Allah. This is a message for us as parents; our children are what we are and what we make them.
My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, we are living in the times of deception, we cannot just hear one Khutbah and celebrate this day one and then go away waiting for a convictional faith, we need the continuous faith pills which will keep us firm upon Islam. Let’s celebrate this day with the inshaa’allaah that we will strive to become a better and practicing Muslim. The best among you are those who are best in their families. We need to understand what is best, it’s not always what we think is right!