Prophet Abraham’s Sacrifice - Central theme of the Eid-ul-Adhia

Islam is preeminently a religion of self-sacrifice. It means sacrificing oneself to God - perfect obedience. Islam also means peace and the perfect peace can be attained only by a true spirit of self-sacrifice and obedience. Eid-ul-Adhia is a festival that Muslims around the world celebrate to commemorate the obedience of Hadhrat Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his son Hadhrat Ismail (as) to the commandment of Allah. We read in the Holy Quran:

‘And when he (Ishmael) was old enough to run along with him (Abraham), he said, `O my dear son, I have seen in a dream that I offer thee in sacrifice. So, consider what thou thinkest of it!’ He replied, `O my father, do as thou art commanded; thou wilt find me, if Allah please steadfast in my faith.’ And when they both submitted to the Will of God, and Abraham had thrown him down on his forehead, We called to him `O Abraham thou hast indeed fulfilled the dream.’ Thus indeed do We reward those who do good.’ (37:103-105)

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) had a series of dreams in which he saw himself sacrificing his eldest son Ismail (as). He inferred that it was perhaps the Will of God that he should sacrifice the life of his son. Hadhrat Ibrahim (peace be upon him), being most obedient to God, was about to sacrifice the life of his son Ismail, when God commanded him to stop and gave him the good news that he had indeed fulfilled His command. When they both submitted to the Will of God, the word 'Thou indeed has fulfilled your dream' shows that Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was not required to fulfill his vision in an actual fact but it was only a practical demonstration of his intentions and preparedness to slaughter his son which was desired of him.

Hazrat Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) preparedness to sacrifice his son Ismail perpetuated in the Islamic institution of sacrifice which forms an integral part of the ceremonies of Hajj.

What greater testimony could there be to Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon him) having left behind him a good name that the followers of three great religions Islam, Christianity and Judaism take pride in ascribing their ancestry to the great patriarch.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May Allah be his helper), the current head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in his Eid Sermon of August 15, 2019 said:

“God Almighty has stated that righteousness is the true essence that should underlay any sacrifice of animals we make. By making the physical sacrifice, the person making the sacrifice expresses his willingness to forego all his personal desires for God. The person making the sacrifice should take a lesson from this act of sacrificing an animal and realize that he too should be willing to make every sacrifice of his personal desires for the greater goal of achieving the nearness and pleasure of God Almighty.”

Shamshad Nasir sahib, regional Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Michigan, in his message for this upcoming blessed occasion of the Eid-ul-Adhia said “although we are unable to come together for the Eid prayers as a community due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, lets pray at our homes with our families and reflect how we can learn from the spirit of sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (as) and his son Ismail (as) who completely submitted themselves to the will of God. May God help us to understand and benefit from the true spirit of this happy occasion”

Reach out for further questions at the contact:

Muhammad Ahmad, Director Outreach, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Michigan

248-677-1316 |Muhammad.Ahmad@Ahmadiyya.us | www.TrueIslam.com

About Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist and fast-growing international movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the Community spans over 200 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, established in 1920, is among the oldest American-Muslim organizations.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long- awaited messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian, India. Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was foretold by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad.

The Community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and re-institute morality, justice, and peace. Ahmad’s advent has brought about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival and moderation. He divested Muslims of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and essential teachings.