'Eid-ul-Adha': Celebrate the Spirit of Sacrifice

(A special message of Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Adha, was published in two newspapers in Mauritius on Friday 01 Sep. 2017:   Le Socialiste (Pg. 2), Le Mauricien - Forum (Pg. 15). 

A Mighty Sacrifice for the Cause of Allah

Since time immemorial, men have always been making sacrifices, all for the cause of God Almighty. All religions in the world teach sacrifice for the sake of God and the goodwill of humanity. Likewise, the Muslims also, in the spirit of the Eid-ul-Adha festival are called to do such sacrifices which would assure them the pleasure of Allah if done with sincerity, purity of body and mind; such selfless sacrifices which would be an example for all humanity to follow. 

'Eid-ul-Adha' Sermon 2017

Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the great sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (as) and Hazrat Ismail (as). It is indeed Hazrat Ibrahim (as) who accomplished all rights of fidelity. He could not have become an intimate creature and servant of Allah, were it not for the sincerity, cleanliness and purity he displayed, and it would have been difficult for him to arrive at such stage (in the eyes of Allah/ in the realm of spirituality).

To fulfil all rights of fidelity, Hazrat Ibrahim (as) had to make such efforts to purify his heart and remove all 'Ghairullah' (all that is not Allah) and filled it with the love of Allah and act according to the will of Allah. Hazrat Ibrahim (as) had persevered in this path and showed himself ever firm, to such an extent that he once dreamt that he was sacrificing his son. So, concerning his dream, he could have given it several interpretations, but his faith in Allah was so firm that he decided to go through with the literal sacrifice of his young son, with his own hand.

Ponder over this. Imagine the state of a person if his son suddenly dies due to some illness. That person can reach such stage where he starts to have all kinds of doubts on Allah, and thus he opens his mouth to utter countless complaints and objections against Allah.

So, Hazrat Ibrahim (as) crushed the love he had for his son and above all preferred to show his love for Allah (swt). This kind of person, Allah does not let him lose anything and he becomes the friend of Allah.

When you read the Holy Quran, you see how much love he had for Allah (swt) and Allah (swt) in return gave him lots of revelations and granted him, in his progeny, prophets. Both his sons Ismail (as) and Ishaq (as) were prophets and through them (i.e. their bloodline), many more prophets came.  In the example  of Hazrat Ibrahim (as), there is a lesson for all humanity; a lesson of sincerity and faithfulness. That is why Ibrahim (as) has been qualified as the one who showed faithfulness (fidelity) and sincerity.

Eid: Celebrating the Devotion of Ibrahim (as)

I quote a few verses to show that the rank and style of worship of Ibrahim (as) are the essence itself of Islam.

When his Lord said to him, ‘Submit,’ he said, ‘I submit to the Lord of the Universe’. (Al-Baqara 2: 132).

God told Abraham (as) that he should believe in Islam, that is to say, to submit himself exclusively to Him. Then Hazrat Ibrahim (as) replied: “I believe and therefore I submit.” And when Allah ordered him to submit, then Ibrahim (as) was prepared on the spot and declared that there was no dissension between the command/ order of Allah and his own submission. He proclaimed: “Yes, I submit myself to the Creator, the Lord of the Universe.” This was the first example of Islam mentioned in the Holy Quran and no other book mentions such acceptance of Islam.

In another verse of the Holy Quran, Allah says: 

“Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian but he was continually submissive to Allah and was a Muslim. And he was not among the polytheists.” (Al-Imran, 3: 68).

“Wa maa kaana minal mushrikiin”

And he was not among the polytheists (he did not set up equals to Allah). (Al-Baqara 2: 136 & Al-Imran 3: 68, 96)

This definition of Islam refers to the aspect of idolatry, meaning that man should submit only to Allah and to none other than Him. Man (humankind) must remain “Hanif”, that is to say, exclusively turned to Allah without conferring the same importance or the same worship to other (false divinities) except to Him (the true and unique God). Hazrat Ibrahim (as) personified this exclusive worship to Allah.

Religion (or Faith/ Community) of your father Abraham. (Al-Hajj 22: 79)

This is a body of disciples who form the “Ummah” (Community) of your father, Ibrahim (as).

“Huwa sammakumul-muslimiin... ”

It is He (Allah) who has named you ‘Muslims’ ... (Al-Hajj 22: 79)

“... min qablu wa fii haaza ”

... Before (this book) and in this (Book, i.e., the Holy Quran). (Al-Hajj 22: 79)

Divine Favours on Abraham's Family

“The religion of your father Abraham; He (Allah) named you Muslims.”---(Al-Hajj 22: 79).

Favours: Temporal and Spiritual

O Muslims! Remember that we are the promised children of Abraham (as). There are great promises of God concerning us. God has made us the best of all (Khairi Uman). He gave us until the end of days the development of temporal favours in the form of royalty and also the development of spiritual favours in the form of prophethood, for we are the seed of Abraham (Ibrahim).

God had kept His promise to Abraham’s posterity from the branch of Israel (Jacob / Yaqub) as long as they did not become evil, and thus the system of royalty and that of prophethood were reserved for him. 

Divine Favours change Trajectory

But when they became wicked, God changed the trajectory of His Light and (while still holding firm to His promise to Abraham) gave that favour to the posterity of Ismail where we had the Rahmatul-lil-Aalameen (blessing for the entire universe) to bless all nations and whose coming was promised as a manifestation of God. This awaited perfect messenger was indeed the seal of the prophets, the founder of Islam, our beloved prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who came with a perfect divine book, i.e. the Holy Quran.

The Larger Meaning of 'Qurbani'

Whenever the month of Dhul Hijjah approaches, we remember the ordeal that Ibrahim (as) had to go through during his old age. 

It was a unique event of its kind, and which history has never mentioned one similar to it.

The Quran confirms this fact:

                        

“And when they had both submitted (to the command of Allah) and he put him down upon his forehead, 

We called to him, "O Ibrahim, 

you have fulfilled the vision. Thus do We reward the doers of good.

‘That was indeed a clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.” (37: 104-108).

If Ibrahim (as) was the subject of such a trial, certainly the Supreme Creator does not require from us this heavy burden. But everyone must know that success in the life on earth, and especially that in the hereafter will never happen as long as the concept of sacrifice is not well rooted in the mind and heart of the believer (the servant of Allah).

The sacrifice is not limited to ‘Qurbani’ or ‘Udhiya’ (blood sacrifice) that everyone already knows. But this term has a much broader meaning. And so the term means to sacrifice in a larger than life way, to give oneself and one’s wealth for the cause of Allah (swt) acknowledging that His words are much better than those of mere humans. Islam is a religion that encourages the believer to sacrifice in all ways. The believer is obliged to sacrifice his life and his soul in order to make Islam prevail over all other religions. He must sacrifice out of his wealth and spend it in the way of Allah just like the Supreme Legislator has commanded.

Eid-Ul-Adha: Sacrificing Our Best Assets

And for all religion We have appointed a rite (of sacrifice) that they may mention the name of Allah over what He has provided for them of (sacrificial) animals. For your god is one God, so to Him submit. And, give good tidings to the humble (before their Lord), 

Who, when (the name of) Allah is mentioned, their hearts are fearful, and (to) the patient over what has afflicted them, and the establishers of prayer and those who spend from what We have provided them. 

And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you as among the symbols of Allah; for you therein is good. So mention the name of Allah upon them when lined up (for sacrifice); and when they are (lifeless) on their sides, then eat from them and feed the needy and the beggar. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may be grateful. 

Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that (to) which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good. (22: 35-38)

The great advices mentioned in these verses apply to every aspect of human life. First they teach us the meaning of sacrifice. And they teach us that we are dependent on these animals (cattle) because we get all kinds of supplies from them. And there are other benefits that are related to these quadrupeds to facilitate your life. Certainly, it is on these types of animals also that you travel.

Remedies for the Diseases of the Heart

I don’t know how to thank My Creator, for He keeps increasing my knowledge on this subject and today, Alhamdulillah Summa Alhamdulillah I continue my Friday Sermon, on the remedies for the diseases of the heart, and I start first of all with how to guard one’s heart against the attack of the Satan (Shaytan). Shaytan creates doubts in the heart, therefore believing men should distant these doubts with the Zikr (remembrance) of Allah Ta’ala. They should not pay any attention to these doubts and distractions. Doubts and distractions are the talks of the Satan which he instills in the hearts of the believers.

It is reported in a Hadith that Shaytan will come to one of you and say to you: “Who created you?” 

The person will reply “Allah has created me”. Shaytan will then ask:“Who has created Allah?” 

Thus if this question arises in anyone’s heart, he should say:“I have brought faith in Allah and His Messenger (pbuh). This thought will then go away”. (Musnad Ahmad)

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) is reported to have said: “Two causes take effect on the heart. One, the effect by the angels in the form of truth and virtue, this is from Allah Ta’ala. One should thank Allah Ta’ala for such effect. The other is from our enemy in the form of rejecting the truth and avoiding virtuous acts. One who experiences these effects should seek Allah’s protection from the accursed Satan.” The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) then recited the following verse in a way of supporting this Hadith: “Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to immorality, while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is All-Embracing, All-Knowing.” (2: 269).” (Musnad Ahmad)

'Imaan' and Tranquillity of the Heart

Oh Allah, grant me to pay obeisance to You, open my breast to repentance through Your security and grant me knowledge to continue the third part of my sermon on “The Heart” so that the hearts of the pious (Muttaqi) and the seekers of truth – those who are not hypocrites – may obtain from You light coming down from the heavens, penetrating their hearts and giving them the much sought, Tranquillity of the Heart. Ameen. 

Tranquillity and contentment of the heart lies in the remembrance of Allah the Almighty and in the firmness and steadfastness of Iman (faith). Allah the Almighty describes the speech of Hazrat Ibrahim (as) as thus: “My Rab (Lord), show me how you give life to the dead.”

Allah said: “Do you not believe?” 

He (Ibrahim) replied: “Yes, but I ask so that my heart be at ease.” (2: 261) Meaning: O my Rab, my faith will become more firm by witnessing with my eyes the manifestation of Your power. 

Allah the Almighty describes the request of the companions of Hazrat Isa (upon him be peace) that Allah bestow upon them His blessing in the following verse: “We wish to eat thereof that we may satisfy our hearts” (5: 114), meaning that “Our hearts may rest in peace and we become more firm in our faith. If we see the blessing of Allah showered upon us, then with the proofs we will grow richer in belief and acquire peace of heart.”

Eid-ul-Adha: Prophetic Traditions

Insha-Allah, we celebrate the Eid-ul-Adha on Sunday 05 October 2014. Therefore, in today’s Friday Sermon, I shall put before you some Hadiths which has connection with the Eid-ul-Adha.

Abdullah ibn `Abdul-Rahman ibn Abza from his father (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to say in the morning and in the evening: “We wake up on pure Islam, the word of Tawhid (monotheism) and on the religion of our Prophet Muhammad (peace b upon him) and on the religion of our father Ibrahim (Abraham) who was purely a Muslim and never was from the polytheists.”(Ahmad) 

Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) recited out loud : “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaik Laa Sharika Laka Labbaik, Innal Hamda wan-Ni’mata Laka wal Mulk, Laa Sharika Laka” – (Translation) I respond to Your call O Allah, I respond to Your call, and I am obedient to Your orders, You have no partner, I respond to Your call All the praises and blessings are for You, All the sovereignty is for You, And You have no partners with you. – He cried out that attestation of the unity of God (that is, the Talbiya) and that is all. (Bukhari & Ahmad)

Hazrat Shaddad ibn Aws (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to recite this supplication (duah) in his Salat(prayer): “O Allah, I ask You for steadfastness in keeping Your command. And I ask You for firmness of resolution in (pursuing) the right path…” Therefore, even for doing good deeds, pursuing the right path, there cannot be ‘firmness of resolution’ without duahs (supplication to Allah).

Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the one who showed the most firmness and perseverance and also he used to seek the help of Allah through prayer/supplications to Allah (duah), and he sought guidance, that is, the right path, intelligence and perspicacity. This is what is called ‘Rusht’ (the ability to distinguish good and evil). 

“...And I ask You (enablement) to be thankful for Your favours and to worship You in the best way. And I ask You for a truthful tongue and ‘Qalbi Saleem’ (a sound heart)…”

Now, nobody has received a purer heart than Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) and there has not been any person who has been more truthful than him on earth. Therefore, in this way, we can correctly say that it is Allah who gives the ‘Qawli Sadid’(clear/truthful speech), ‘Qawli Salim’ (pure speech) and ‘Rusht’ (the ability to distinguish good and evil), otherwise there is no other means to acquire all these!

Then Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “…And I seek refuge in You from the mischief that You know and I ask You for the good that You know. And I seek Your forgiveness for (sins) that You know Indeed, You are the Best Knower of the unseen.”

Eid-ul-Adha: Qurbani is Obligatory

Through his willingness to offer his son Hadhrat Ismail (as) in sacrifice, Hadhrat Ibrahim (as) displayed tremendous commitment and extraordinary faith in executing a Divine Command. Islam, thus, commends the sublime spirit of sacrifice for the sake of seeking the pleasure of Allah (swt) in its rituals and faith-practices. The festival of Eid-ul-Adha and the ritual of Qurbani integrated with it, in many ways, represent the permanent remembrance of Muslims of the great sacrifice of the Great Patriarch and Khalilullah.  In his Friday Sermon of 11 October 2013 (05 Dhul-Hijjah 1434 Hijri), the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim (atba) of Mauritius continued the theme of the great sacrifice of Hadhrat Ibrahim (as) and underscored the significance of Qurbani or Udh-hiya on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha.

Read the Extracts from the Friday Sermon:

“And when he reached the age of travelling with him, he said: ‘My son, while I was sleeping I saw that I shall slaughter (sacrifice) you, tell me what is your opinion.’ He replied: ‘Father, do as you are ordered (by Allah). Allah willing, you shall find me one of those who are steadfast.’” (37: 103)

Allah expounds on the sacrifice of cause of Hazrat Ibrahim (upon him be peace) and Hazrat Ismail (upon him be peace) in praiseworthy words. He (Allah) informs humanity in which way the unique son of Ibrahim (upon him be peace) preferred the decree of Allah above all things. In the verse which I just recited, Hazrat Ismail (upon him be peace) tells his father: “Father, do as you are ordered (by Allah). Allah willing, you shall find me one of those who are steadfast.” (37: 103)

Therefore, when both father and son submitted to the will of Allah, then Allah Himself was extremely pleased with such a proof of love and submission which both His chosen servants showed towards Him. Hazrat Ibrahim (upon him be peace) offered the life of his son at the command of Allah the Almighty, but (then) Allah, the Exalted says: “Wa fadaynaahu bizibhin ‘aziim” (37: 108) - And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.

The degree of the manifestation of this love which Hazrat Ibrahim (upon him be peace) had for Allah was so great that it made manifest such an event which has since marked the history of Islam. This gave way to a rite called Qurbani or Udhiya, which has become a part of Islam. This sacrifice was continued by Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Allah made it obligatory on the Muslims who have the means to do it. This sacrifice is not only prescribed for us, the people, Ummah of Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) but it was prescribed also to people of the past also, like mentioned in the Holy Quran: “To every people did We appoint rites (of sacrifice), that they might celebrate the name of Allah over the sustenance He gave them from animals (fit for food).” (Al-Hajj 22: 35)

The QURBANI of Hadhrat Ibrahim (as)

People practice different rituals in their quest for Divine satisfaction. Sincere good deeds and personal sacrifices made solely for the purpose of seeking the pleasure of Allah have special resonance at the throne of Allah (twa). In the quest for understanding the spirit of sacrifice in the service of Tawheed, the life of Hadhrat Ibrahim (as) serves as an enduring model and inspiration for all believers. For his experiences in all their complex and varied settings represent an extraordinary saga of submission to the Divine Will. Even under conditions of severe trials, requiring extreme patience in the contingencies of life such as being asked his son, Hadhrat Ibrahim (as) remained sincere, solely devoted to the protective hands of the Divine [Inset: Artistic impression of that great sacrifice).

In his Friday Sermon of 04 October 2013, the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) Mauritius reflected on the purpose of Qurbani, a ritual of faith all devout Muslims observe on the occasion of the performance of Hajj / Eid-ul-Adha in the backdrop of the story of the life of Hadhrat Ibrahim (as).

Read the Extracts from the Friday Sermon:

“(O Prophet) Say, “Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.” (6: 163)