Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) Online Seminary Offers Heartfelt Felicitations on the Occasion of Eid al-Adha

10th of Dhu al-Hijjah is a day when the people performing Hajj have completed the majority of the rites of Hajj and now head towards sacrificing an animal. This tradition comes from the Abrahamic tradition wherein Allah had commanded his prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son Ismail (peace be upon him). Eventually, Allah replaced the son with a sheep and thus it became a part of the rites of Hajj. This act symbolizes that this world is indeed a place for tests and trials and only those who have strong faith will be able to achieve higher levels of faith.

Although God did not let a father sacrifice his son He did test him to know whether the love of a son, who was born after a very long time, would be a barrier in abiding by the commands of Allah.

The prophet (peace be upon him) was successful in his test and his act serves as a reminder for everyone that Allah will try us with the things we love the most and it is during such times that we know of our inner inclinations, whether they are motivated by the commands of Allah or by the love of our self.

Therefore, it is a reminder that by sacrificing an animal, are we ready to sacrifice the deeds that prevent us from attaining higher levels of faith?

The Importance of Sacrificing: Umm Salmah (peace be upon her) came to the Holy Prophet and said: O Messenger of God, it is Eid al-Adha and I have nothing to sacrifice. He (peace be upon him and his pure progeny) replied, take a loan as this loan will surely be repaid.

 On this auspicious day, we ask Allah to help us sacrifice our attachments of this world for His sake so that we are amongst the true believers and supporters of the Imam of our time, al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance)

The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his pure progeny) says: Paradise is incumbent upon the one who stays awake these four nights, the night of Tarwiyyah, the night of Arafah, the night of Eid al-Fitr, and the night of Eid al-Adha.

 

Al-Firdaus v. 3, pr. 620