The Importance of Eid al-Adha

By Anosha Adil

Eid Al-Adha falls on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah, marking the end of Hajj. Not only are we celebrating those who completed Hajj, but are also commemorating the values of Ibrahim (AS) and his sacrifice. Ibrahim (AS) is a prophet known to all three major monotheistic religions: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. His manner, virtue, and obedience are all embodied in the story of his sacrifice.

One night, Ibrahim (AS) dreamed of Allah (SWT) telling him to sacrifice his son. He dismissed it as a trick by Shaytaan. However, after experiencing the same dream twice, he had realized that this was truly an order from Allah (SWT). Ibrahim (AS) loved his son, Ismail (AS), dearly, yet was obedient to Allah (SWT) and trusted his command. He brought his son up Mt. Arafat with a knife and a rope. Then, told him of Allah (SWT)’s order. Ismail (AS), carrying the same obedience that his father possessed, asked his father to bind his arms and legs. He requested that his father wear a blindfold to avoid seeing him struggling. Ibrahim (AS) obliged and with his knife did as Allah (SWT) commanded.

When he removed his blindfold, he was surprised to see the body of a ram in place of where his son lay and Ismail (AS) unharmed, standing next to him. Ibrahim (AS) was initially distraught and his first reaction was that he had disobeyed his Creator. Until he heard a voice reminding him that Allah (SWT) looks after his believers and that what he had done presented no reason for worry. This was one of the miracles bestowed upon Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS).

This is why Qurbani (sacrifice in the name of Allah) is obligatory to all Muslims who have become of age and can afford it. Every year, we participate in Qurbani to remember Ibrahim (AS) and to instill those same values of obedience, honesty, and submissiveness in ourselves. It serves as a lesson to the Muslim Ummah that the word of Allah (SWT) should be followed without question or hesitation.