In Islam, we Muslims celebrate 2 Big festivals and that is Eid ul Fitr, which signifies the completion of the holy month of Fasting that is RAMADAN and Eid-Al-Adha which follows the completion of Hajj Pilgrimage (one of the 5th Pillars of Islam) followed by QURBANI (sacrifice). In the Islamic calendar, Eid-Al-Adha falls on the 10th day of the twelfth and final month of Dhu al-Hijja.
Now let’s talk about the significance of Eid-Al-Adha
THE STORY OF IBRAHIM (AS) AND HIS SACRIFICE
The story of Qurbani (sacrifice) states that Ibrahim AS saw a dream one night in which Allah SWT told him to slaughter his beloved son Ismail AS. At first, Ibrahim (AS) believed that this was Shaitan’s tricks on him, and he immediately ignored it. But then, in the same night, the dream occurred again, commanding him to do the same. Ibrahim (AS) then came to realize that this was, in fact, a message from Allah SWT.
Ibrahim (AS) loved his son, Ismail (AS) yet he was ready to follow the command of Allah SWT. While going to the spot of sacrifice, Ibrahim (AS) told about his dream to his beloved son. . Being an obedient son, Prophet Ismail (AS) immediately got ready to fulfill the command of Allah SWT. Then he took his son to the top of the Mount Arafat and brought with him a knife and a rope and his father and asked that his hands and legs be tied so that he may not struggle and that his father blindfolds himself so that he does not have to witness him suffer. When he took his blindfold off, to his surprise, he saw the body of a dead sheep in front of him. Ismail AS was completely unharmed, standing next to him.
La hawla wa la quwwata illa Billah, there is no power and no strength except with Allah
The story of Ibrahim (AS) is not just about sacrifice, it’s all about the extreme Tawakkul (trust) he had in Allah. Ibrahim (AS) knew that Allah would never ask something of him without a reason or without offering something greater in return. Indeed, Allah is the One who gives and the One who takes. So, when you feel a door closing, have Tawakkul, for when He closes one door, He opens many more.
THE DAY OF ARAFAH
The Day of Arafah is on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah and is one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar. This year the Day of Arafah is expected to fall on Sunday 16th June 2024 In Sha Allah.
Allah (SWT) refers to this day in Surah al-Maidah of the Holy Qur’an.
الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا
Quran – 05:03
It was on this day that Allah (SWT) perfected His religion, completed His favours upon His beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and approved Islam as a way of life! Alhamdulliah.
THINGS TO DO ON THE DAY OF ARAFAH
- Fast
- Seek Forgiveness
- Dhikr
- Read Qur’an/ Listen Qur’an
- Make a lot of Duas
- Do a lot of Good Deeds
RECITE THIS DUA ON THE DAY OF ARAFAH
INDIA IS ALL SET TO CELEBRATE EID-AL-ADHA
We Indian Muslims are all gear up to celebrate Eid-Al-Adha also known as Bakrid. Where sacrifice takes place of a sheeps, goats or camels. The meat from the animal is then separated into three parts, one for family, one for relatives and friends and the other for poor or needy person.
But unfortunately as the festival of Eid-Al-Adha approaches, campaigns such as SAVE ANIMAL, ECO FRIENDLY EID, VEGANISM, ANIMAL CRUELTY, , BLOODLESS EID etc gain fuel. In India, people of all major religions sacrifice animals or consume non veg.
LETS CHECK SOME FACTS ON THIS
- 1. Meat is not only consumed by Muslims
The consumption of meat is increasing in India and agriculture is considered as the backbone of a majority of people. Livestock plays a significant role, and poultry and dairy are the major sectors contributing to economic development. Studies show that Urbanization has been causing a rise in demand for meat products. India is the world’s second largest exporter of beef. In India, 95% of goat meat produced is consumed locally. Furthermore, the report claims that there has been a 19.6% increase in meat consumption among Jains and a 4.71% increase among Hindus during NFHS-4 (2015-16) to NFHS-5 (2019-21) period. But ironically, many people do not hesitate to tag only Muslims as “meat eaters”, whilst the fact suggests a different scenario.
- 2. Animal sacrifice is not exclusive to Islam
Even in the case of animal sacrifices, the Muslims are not alone. Almost all major religions in India have been sacrificing animals as part of their religious and cultural rituals.
- 3. For Ecosystem
If humans stop eating meat, animal populations will explode, posing a significant threat to our ecosystem. Overpopulation will result in a rise in disease, a shortage of food, and other issues.
- 4. Snatching Source of Livelihood
Livestock is a significant source of income for poor people living in rural regions and prohibiting animal sacrifice will take away their source of income, resulting in a high unemployment rate. In India, 20.5 million people rely upon the livestock business for their livelihood.
BY SAMYA NABI
