Wishing all our readers and well-wishers a blessed Eid al Adha

Crescent International

Dhu al-Hijjah 21, 1437 2016-09-23

Daily News Analysis

by Crescent International

Eid al Adha commemorates the sacrifice of Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail (as). As Muslims celebrate this great event, they must keep in mind that without sacrifice, nothing can be achieved. In fact, the trials and tribulations demanding sacrifices are the pre-requisites to get closer to Allah subhanahu wa taala.

Toronto, Crescent-online
Wednesday, September 23, 2015, 21:57 ST

As the two billion Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al Adha, we begin by wishing all our readers and well wishers a blessed Eid full of joy and rewards that come from the the Almighty Allah.

Eid al Adha links Muslims with Prophetic history. Allah subhanahu wa taala offers us this great honour by allowing us to partake in Prophetic, indeed human history from the beginning of time.

But Eid al Adha must not be taken to mean merely as a day of celebration. It is a day of sacrifice. Prophet Ibrahim (as) was put through many trials and tribulations and at no time did he flinch from obeying Allah or fulfilling His commands.

He was prepared to sacrifice his most cherished gift--his only son Ismail (as)--that Allah had granted him at a very advanced age. How many of us are prepared to make such a sacrifice for the pleasure of Allah?

When Prophet Ibrahim (as) had fulfilled all the tests, Allah gave him the glad tidings that he was being appointed the Imam (Leader) of all humankind (2:124). Even so, Prophet Ibrahim (as) did not take it for granted that this honour would automatically be inherited by his family and would pass on from generation to generation.

Thus, when he asked Allah, what about my progeny, will this honour belong to them also, the divine reply was very instructive.

Allah said to him: “My Covenant does not extend to those that perpetrate dhulm (oppression and tryranny) on earth” (2:124). Thus, even the children of a Prophet of Allah are not automatically entitled to honour unless they abide by the commands of Allah.

This should awaken Muslims to their responsibilities in these very trying times.

Passivity or hopelessness, however, are not the traits of committed Muslims. We must strive at all times to make the Word of Allah supreme.

May this Eid al Adha make us aware of our responsibilities and may He, the Almighty give us the understanding to fulfill our role as examples for all humanity demonstrating mercy, compassion, commitment and firm resolve.

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