Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha every year. It is celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah by sacrificing an animal in the name of Allah (SWT). The sacrifice of animals is called Qurbani in Arabic. Some people also donate to the mosque on this day. Eid-Ul-Adha is celebrated in the commemoration of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was one of the most beloved people to Allah Almighty. He was given the title of “Khaleel Ullah” by Allah (SWT) himself. Khaleel Ullah means “Friend of Allah”. He is also one of the 25 Prophets mentioned in the Holy Quran.
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had two sons according to Islam, Isma’il (AS) and Isḥaq (AS). Both of them later became Prophets too. Isma’il (AS) also built the Kaaba with his father Prophet Ibrahim (AS) as the first house of worship.
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) lived for more than a hundred years and he had great experiences in his lifetime. Let us look at a few of the major experiences of his life;
The Searching For Truth
One night when Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was sitting under the sky, he saw a bright star and he said “this is my lord” but when it disappeared he said, “I do not like those who disappear”. Later when he saw the moon he said “this is my lord” but when the moon disappeared he said, “if my lord did not guide me, I would be among those who gone astray”.
After that, he saw the sun and he again said “this is my lord this is greater” again when it disappeared he said, “O my people, I disown whatever you associate with Allah, I have, indeed, turned my face straight towards the One who created the heavens and the earth, and I am not one of those who associate partners with Allah”. This is how he found the truth, he found the lord of the heavens and earth.
The Great Fire
After finding the truth about the lord of this universe, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) started to invite people to Islam. At the time when he was inviting people, the then ruler was “Namrood” he was a fascist ruler and he was a non-Muslim and he hated Prophet Ibrahim (AS) for inviting people to Islam. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) also invited him to Islam but he was ignorant and he decided to burn Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
For the punishment of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), he ordered his servants to dig up a hole and put lots of wood in it. While this was taking place the news of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) burning alive spread across and people started to gather to see it. When everything was set up they lit up the woods and the flames of fire were so high up in the sky that even birds couldn’t fly above it.
Namrood asked the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) for his last wish, he could have asked for anything to forgive him too but this was the Imaan of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS), he said: “God is sufficient for me, He is the best disposer of my affairs”. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was put into the fire and Allah ordered the fire, He said “O fire! Be of coolness and safety for Ibrahim”, and Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was unharmed even after the fire was so intense.
The Sacrifice
One day Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was sleeping and he saw a dream in which he was sacrificing his son Isma’il (AS). He ignored it, but after that, he saw this again in his dream, and he thought that it was not a fluke and it was in fact a message from Allah Almighty.
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) loved his son Isma’il (AS) and he was really anxious and he did not know what to do. But he had to fulfill God’s command too, so he went to his son Isma’il (AS) and told him everything. Instead of making excuses, he said to his father Ibrahim (AS) “O my father! Do as you are commanded. If Allah wills, you shall find me of the patient”
Isma’il (AS) said to his father to tie him up so he won’t jolt and he said to his father to blindfold his eyes so he can fulfill God’s command without distraction. After that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) took the knife and got ready for the sacrifice. After the sacrifice, Ibrahim (AS) removed his blindfold and what he saw was a miracle! God Almighty had replaced Isma’il (AS) with a Sheep (ram).
This whole event shows us how dedicated was the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Isma’il (AS). This is the reason why Muslims all around the world celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha, to remember their sacrifice of them and their dedication to fulfilling God’s command.
This event teaches us many things few of them are listed below:
- It teaches us to be patient
- It teaches us to fulfill God’s command no matter what it is
- It teaches us that Allah Almighty does not do injustice to anyone and rewards the ones who follow his command
Eid-Ul-Adha has so much significance because of this and it is compulsory for every Muslim to sacrifice in the name of Allah (SWT).
Which animals can be sacrificed?
- Sheep
- Goats
- Cows
- Buffalo
- Camels
All of these animals should be adults and must be healthy and free of any illness or disease. The first day of Eid-Ul-Adha 2022 in the USA is estimated to be on the 10th of July 2022. We at MOHID wish you an advanced Eid Mubarak, May our sacrifices be accepted.
