The forgotten currency of sacrifice.
A reflection on Eid Al-Adha.
Bismillah, A Step For Our Deen!
As millions of people go for Hajj, and we remember the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim ‘alayhi-salam (as)…
as the blood drains and the meat is distributed…
a quiet question lingers in the background…
Have we sacrificed anything for the sake of Allah - really?
Eid Al-Adha Reflection Post
1. The story we know
The story of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail (as) as the ultimate test of obedience. And indeed it is. Allah commanded a father to give up his beloved son, and both surrendered without hesitation.
Then when they had both submitted (to Allah’s command) and he put him down upon his forehead (to slaughter him), We called to him, “O Ibrahim, You have fulfilled the vision.“ Undeed We thus reward the doers of good.
Surah As-Saffat 37:103-105
Just when prophet Ibrahim was going to slaughter, his son was substituted with a ram.
It is not just about an animal that was sacrificed. But the internal state of being willing to give up what is most beloved to you…
for Allah.
It is not just the act of sacrifice, but who Prophet Ibrahim (as) became through his sacrifices.
2. Sacrifice is not a transaction
Today, sacrifice is often reduced to a transaction for Eid Al-Adha: buy a sheep, pay a butcher, hand out meat. But sacrifice is not just about spending money, rather it is something that shapes or transforms us to be better muslims.
Prophet Ibrahim (as) left his homeland. He walked away from his father’s beliefs. He abandoned comfort. He had to leave his family in a desert (See Quran 14:37 and Sahih Bukhari 3364). He built the Ka’bah brick by brick. And then he prepared to give up his own son.
None of the above were simple. But because Prophet Ibrahim (as) understood the purpose of this life, and recognised Allah as His Lord, He was willing to go through all the discomfort. And the depth of obedience gave him the title Khalilullah:
And who is better in the deen than those who submits themselves to Allah, do good, and follow the Way of Abraham, the upright?
And Allah took Ibrahim as Khalil (intimate friend).
Surah An-Nisa 4:125
Surely Allah recognises the sacrifices we make for him, and increase our rank accordingly. Allah will never cause the reward of those who do good to be lost. (See Quran 9:120)
3. They were humans too
Prophets did not receive the ability to be superheroes and become immune from hardships. On the contrary, they are tested the most in Dunya. They also learn and manage their emotions on fear, loss and grief. They also cried and many were physically harmed… yet through all the hardships, they trusted Allah.
Today we see the Palestinians still under genocide… I saw a recent video from Al-Jazeera and their trust and faith in Allah is on another level. While they go to the masjid, many growing thin from starvation, still put on best clothes that they have. Still saying ‘Hasbuanallah wa ni’mal wakeel‘.
Sufficient is Allah and He is the Best Disposer of Affairs.
What does this remind us?
Sacrifice is also about trusting Allah.
4. What will you give up?
If Allah asked you today to give up something precious, would you? Not just what is haram, but sometimes even what is halal but not beneficial to us.
The luxurious bed that makes it difficult for tahajjud?
That career path that slowly compromises your deen?
A hidden sin you’ve excused yourself for too long?
It could be deleting a social media application, or leaving your job, or taking some time off to align your Islamic learning (if you have the means)…
Ease isn’t forbidden. We can enjoy them as blessings too. But when comfort becomes a barrier to reaching Allah, then perhaps we need to re-assess what is an appropriate level of comfort.
5. Make Eid a turning point.
Make the intention to change.
Let this Eid be more than just a rejoice… As we honour the noble act of animal sacrifice, let us also offer a sacrifice of ourselves.
How?
We can do that through leaving something for the sake of Allah.
And whoever submits his face to Allah while being a doer of good — then he has grasped the firmest handhold. And to Allah is the outcome of all matters.
Surah Luqman 31:22
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ، وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar.
Laa ilaa hailallah, Allahu Akbar.
Allahu Akbar wa lillahil-hamd.
For any feedback and comments, drop us an email at digest@hourofqadr.com
wow so true Allahuma barik:)