It’s worshippers’ piety that reaches Allah

“It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves off sin,” he said citing Verse 22/37 of the Quran which reads: ‘It is neither their meat (of the sacrificed animal) nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him.’

The story of sacrifice attached with Eid Al Adha (feast of sacrifice) dates back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him).

On the 10^th day of the Arabic month Zul Hijjah, Muslims across the world commemorated this unique example of commitment and self sacrifice to Allah, and learned about his victory over devil’s temptation not to slain his sole son Ishmael as ordered by God.

He was all prepared to fulfil the command which later proved to be just a trial. “He had shown that his love for his Lord superseded all others that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God,” said Dr Ashmawy.

Instead, Allah gifted him a great sheep to sacrifice, and that action has become a ritual for all Muslims henceforth to always remember this example and practice charity on the occasion by distributing the meat of the animal sacrificed equally among family, friends and the poor.

Dr Ashmawy said feasts are known as times of joy and celebrations in all nations and cultures. “However, they are interrelated with worship in Islam and are aimed to develop and achieve piety, and bring Muslims closer to God Almighty.” Celebrating and having fun in a disciplined manner is allowed in Islam - which never contradicts human nature - to break the monotonous daily life routine. “As such, fasting this day is forbidden and Muslims are highly advised to show mercy to others, give to charity, be more tolerant and patient, and visit each other.”

Dr Ashmawy then indicated that the act of sacrifice symbolises Muslims’ readiness to give up things that are close to our hearts, to follow Allah’s commands.

Early in the morning and after Fajr (Dawn) prayer on the Eid day, a Muslim - in nice clothes - accompanies his family members, be they young or old, male or female, to the Musalla while saying Takbeer (Allah is the greatest) to be exposed to God’s blessing and perform Eid Prayer.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com