Hajj & Eid Mubarak: The Sacrifice Of Ibrahim (a.s.)

Someone asked Mufti Ibrahim Desai (db) once how to celebrate Eid. He replied, "Eid-ul-Adha is to slaughter an animal to show and signify solidarity upon the sacrifices of Ibraahim [a.s.] and his submission to Allah. By slaughtering an animal, to inculcate is the quality of sacrifice for the Deen of Allah, like Ibraahim [a.s.] willingness to sacrifice his household in a barren land upon the order of Allah, his eagerness to sacrifice his son to fulfil the order of Allah, his eagerness to sacrifice himself so that the Oneness of Allah may prevail and idolatory may be abolished. The celebration of Eid-ul-Adha should have the spirit of these sacrifices behind it."

"And he [Ibrahim (a.s.)] said, "I am going to my Lord. He will show me the way. O my Lord, bless me with a righteous son." So We gave him the good news of a forebearing son. Thereafter, when he reached an age in which he could work with him, he said, "O my little son, I've seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you, so consider, what do you think?" He said, "O my dear father, do what you have been ordered to do. You will find me, insha'Allah, as one of those endure patiently." So, (it was a great episode) when both of them submitted themselves (to Allah's will), and he laid him on his forehead, then we called out to him, "O Ibrahim, you made the dream come true." This is how We reward those who are good in deeds. This was indeed a trial that clearly demonstrated (their obedience). And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice. And We left for him (a word of praise) among the later people, (that is,) "Salam be on Ibrahim" This is how We reward those that are good in deeds. Surely, he is among Our believing servants. And We gave him the good news of Ishaq, a prophet from among the righteous. And We did bless him and Ishaq - and among the progeny of both of them, some are good and some are utterly unjust to their own selves." (37:99-113)

Al Hamdu Lillah. Allah Ta'ala gave us the chance of witnessig another Eid. I can't believe how fast the time is running, it's like we just celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr last week. This is really a sign of Qiyamah. We should take this oppertunity to make not just ourselves happy but as well Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala by making sincere tauba (repentance), a lot of Istighfar (seeking Allah's forgiveness), Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), Qur'an recitation and the intention of never again neglecting or acting in contradiction to the Divine Law of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala and the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.).

Eid Mubarak to all brother and sisters and special congratulations to this years Hajjis. May Allah accept their sacrifice to take this journey of a lifetime and reward them with Jannah. Ameen.