“Ye Faizan-e-nazar tha ya ki maktab ki karamat thi…
Sikhaye kis ne Ismail ko aadab-e-farzandagi”(Iqbal)
Mid summer is here; so is Eid ul Azha. Muslims, across the globe, on this day, recall Ibrahim (as), his son Ismail (as) and Hajra (as). We remember their devotion, commitment and strength of faith. We remember their unshakable association with Allah. We recollect their loyalty and obedience to the commands of the Almighty. In a divine dream, Ibrahim (as) was decreed by Allah to carry out the sacrifice of his son Ismail (as). It’s noteworthy that the couple had been gifted this son by Allah after years of yearning and wait. Their fidelity didn’t shake upon this command. ”If Allah wants this sacrifice from us, we won’t even think of disobedience” they resolved. Finally, Ibrahim took his son to offer up in the way of Allah. It was an emotional moment; as emotional as no other moment. Allah, however, never leaves his true followers behind. He replaced Ismail with a ram and at the right moment. Ismail lived and so did the family’s faith. Since that day, in the month of Dhul Hijjah—the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar—the sacrifice of an animal has been made mandatory for every capable and well-off Muslim. Surah Al-Kawsar tells us, ”Surely we have given thee abundance; so pray thy Lord and sacrifice.” The act is in accordance with the act of Ibrahim (as). It’s not the flesh and blood of the sacrificial animal that matters to Allah. It is performed in honour and remembrance of his act. A lot is achieved with a sacrifice. Ibrahim’s sunnah is relived. The concept of sharing and caring is encouraged. Food is distributed among the poor and the needy. Mutual care and brotherhood are reinstated. It’s this piousness which forms the purpose of the deed. Allah says in Surah Al-Hajj,”Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood. What reaches Him is piety from you.” [22:37]. This Eid is of a different kind. The pandemic has put us in trouble.
Don’t celebrate this Eid unless and until every household in your neighbourhood is able to celebrate. Celebrate this Eid with austerity and care. Likewise, follow strict precautions while performing the sacrifice. We must follow the protocols: stay masked and stay away from others physically.
Every single person on this Earth has gotten affected in one way or the other. Some of us have been fired from jobs. Many people’s businesses have dwindled. A lot many people have not earned a penny since the lockdown. Some of us have suffered from depression. There is no food and medicine in many households. If you still have a job, some savings and some food to eat, you are advantageous. But everyone is not as fortunate as you. The time has come when Ibrahim’s act of allegiance needs to be observed in letter and spirit. Time has come when we all must join hands and serve our fellow Muslims in every possible way. Let’s cut our expenses and help those in need. Look around in your neighbourhood. There are many homes without food and fortune. Make up your mind to provide decent food and clothing to at least one such family. Charity begins at home. Your one act may inspire others. If we all give alms to the needy, there will not be a single poor Muslim. Don’t celebrate this Eid unless and until every household in your neighbourhood is able to celebrate. Celebrate this Eid with austerity and care. Likewise, follow strict precautions while performing the sacrifice. We must follow the protocols: stay masked and stay away from others physically. The same must be followed while distributing the sacrificial meat. Let’s raise our hands and pray: May Allah keep us healthy and happy; may the pandemic vanish from the face of the Earth this Eid; may the affected people get healthy; provide a dope to the disease today. Aameen! Eid Mubarak to one and all! [email protected]
