Eid Mubarak to our UD family and friends! Eid al Adha, a celebration of obedience and submission to Allah (swt), always comes around when we’re most in need of its lessons. Through Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to fully trust in Allah’s (swt) plan, we’re called to reflect on our own submission in faith. As young Muslim college students, it can be easy to get lost in the pressures of uncertainty and stresses of succeeding. On Eid al Adha we take a moment to reconsider and regain our balance in our spiritual paths. We ask ourselves, how often are we willing to fully place our trust in our Creator? How deeply do we recognize the wisdom in Allah’s (swt) plans for us? And, are we willing to make sacrifices in order to strengthen our relationship with Allah (swt)?
Eid al Adha means the celebration of sacrifice. It’s one of the two major Eid celebrations in the Muslim faith. It takes place in the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar and it follows the holiest day of Hajj pilgrimage. The days leading up to Eid are blessed, and as such,Muslims increase in their prayer and Quran recitation. The morning of Eid, Muslims pray in congregation and listen to the khutbah- sermon. Following the prayer, everyone erupts into greetings and praise. Following the Eid congregation, Muslims take part in Udhiya- also known as Qurbani or sacrifice. This is usually done with a sheep or goat, in commemoration of the Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) sacrifice. The meat is then distributed into three parts. One part for family, one for friends, and one for the needy.
Eid al Adha signifies the Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) obedience to Allah (swt) and his willingness to follow his command in sacrificing his son Ismail (AS). When he dreamt that he was ordered to sacrifice his son, he prepared himself to do so in full submission to Allah (swt). He went to his son and told him with sincerity and honesty,
“O my son, I have seen in a dream that I am sacrificing you. So see what you think.”- Quran 37:102
His son reassured him that Allah (swt) always knows what is best and accepted with true faith.
“O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.” -Quran 37:102
They both understood that this dream was a test of devotion and submission to their faith. In reward of the Prophet's unwavering trust in Allah’s (swt) plan, He intervened and sent a ram in place of Ismail (AS),
“We called to him, “O Ibrahim!”. ‘You have already fulfilled the vision.’ Indeed, this is how We reward the good-doers.” -Quran 37:104-105
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) serves as a beacon of spiritual commitment to our faith. His story serves to emphasize Allah’s (swt) wisdom and mercy over us. Our Creator is looking out for us even when we cannot understand the wisdom behind it. Sacrifice is not just about the animal, moreso it is about the obstacles that hinder us from full acceptance of our faith. It teaches us gratitude and humility, to carry through life with full submission even if the road ahead is not easy. Oftentimes the true sacrifice is letting go of our egos and doubts in favor of surrendering to the will of The Most High. We raise our hands in dua, and ask The Almighty, the All Knowing (swt) to grant us patience, sincerity and trust in His plan just as the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was able to do. On Eid al Adha we regain focus and find balance as we embark on the path of the believers.
May Allah accept this from us and from you.