The story behind Eid Al Adha
Some of us experience Eid every year, not knowing what they're taking a 1 week vacation for. Some people know it’s called Eid al Adha which translates into sacrifice festival/ feast, without knowing why we’re sacrificing all these sheep and goats. Well, if you’re one of those people that want to know what this Eid is all about, carry on reading.
There was once a small family, Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) and his wife Lady Sarah. Throughout most of his life, Prophet Ibrahim couldn’t conceive from his wife Lady Sarah, however as time went by and they grew older, Lady Sarah told him he could marry and have a child with Lady Hagar which was their slave at that time. Several months later Lady Hagar became pregnant with Ibrahim’s child Ismail (pbuh). Finding difficulty to conceive all these years, Ibrahim (pbuh) dearly loved his son and as Ismail (pbuh) grew older, Ibrahim (pbuh) kept having a dream that he was sacrificing his son, and after seeing that dream 3 times in a row, he knew that it was a test from God that he’s willing to take. Ibrahim (pbuh) was willing to devote his dearest possession, his only son, to the will of God even though Satan had tempted him not to go through with the process (where he drove him away by throwing pebbles at him). After committing to the act, he decided to take Ismail’s (pbuh) consent on the matter and surprisingly the young boy’s reaction was astonishing. He didn’t hesitate even for a minute. He said, “Father, do what you have been commanded. You will find me, Insha'Allah (God willing), to be very patient.” Of course this response showing commitment to Allah, deep faith, and maturity was exceptional. As Ibrahim (pbuh) laid down his son and held a knife to his throat, Allah called out to them telling them that they didn’t have to proceed with the sacrifice of Ismail (pbuh) and that there sincere intentions were accepted. Instead, Ibrahim (pbuh) was told to replace his son with a ram to sacrifice instead.
This is mentioned in the Holy 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 is your view!" (The son) said: "O my father! Do what you are commanded; if Allah wills, you will find me one practising patience and steadfastness!" So when they both submitted and he threw him down upon his forehead, We called out to him saying: O Ibraheem! 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. Qur'an 37:100-111
As a reward for this sacrifice, Allah then granted Abraham the good news of the birth of his second son, Is-haaq (Isaac): And We gave him the good news of Is-haaq, a prophet from among the righteous. Qur'an 37:112
Abraham had shown that his love for his Lord superseded all others: that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dearest to him in submission to God's command. Muslims commemorate this ultimate act of sacrifice every year during Eid al-Adha.
Thus on Eid al Adha we celebrate the great sacrifice that this family was willing to make just to please God by sacrificing cattle and sharing it with friends, family, neighbors, and the less fortunate.
