Significance of EID

Religion has played and continues to play a critical role in shaping the lives of individuals. These individuals in turn determine the development of societies. In the course of shaping the destiny of society people must be ready to surprising forgo what is dear to their lives. It is therefore not surprising that Prophet Ibrahim obeyed the command of his Creator to sacrifice his one and only son, Ismael. This act by Prophet Ibrahim was a clear exhibition of a high level of faith in Allah. This courageous and submissive deed is what is being re-enacted by Muslims in Ghana and beyond.

To Muslims, Ibrahim is the father of all prophets and respected for submitting himself to the will of Allah. Allah tells us in the Quran the essence of sacrifice is to portray our closeness to Him. Quran Chapter 22 verse 37 clearly states this: “It is not their meat nor their blood, that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him.” Muslims are therefore commanded Allah to follow the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim by dedicating the best of their possessions for the sole purpose of obeying the directives of Allah. Eidul Ad-ha or Feast of Sacrifice is one of the most important Islamic holidays of the year and it marks the end of the Hajj, the pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah.

As Muslims commemorate the day they are reminded of the mercy and benefits bestowed upon mankind by Allah. On this day Muslims, who can afford, must slaughter a sheep, cow, camel or goat. In order to encourage peaceful coexistence among people with diverse religious and cultural persuasions, the meat of the slaughtered animal must be divided into three. One third of the meat must be retained by the household that slaughters the animal while one third should be shared among relatives. This act also reminds us to share worldly goods with those who are less fortunate, and serves also as an offer of thanksgiving to Allah.

Prophet Mohammed, Peace be upon him, has strongly recommend maintaining family ties and treating one’s neighbours with dignity. This, can be achieved if we share gift among ourselves because, as the saying goes, sharing is caring. Therefore, one’s neighbours, regardless of their religious belief, are entitled to the rest of the one third of the meat. If we can share our resources with others not because we are self-sufficient, it presupposes that we would not let harm befall such persons and that we would be each other’s brother’s keeper. Even this sense of unity is seen yearly when more than one billion Muslims from all parts of the world converge on the plain of Mountain Arafat during the Hajj.

One of the most powerful sacrifices is for leaders to sacrifice their authority in the course of serving humanity. It is rather unfortunate that some leaders spend more time working to remain in power to the extent of endangering the lives of the very people they serve. If they would sacrifice their personal ambitions for the good of society, the world would not be witnessing the rise in religious and ethnic conflict level. As the Muslim world observes EId-Ul-Adah, the focus is to be responsible as citizens and promote unity and peaceful coexistence for the development of Ghana. Prophet Ibrahim gave his son in order to attain God’s consciousness.

We ought to remember that we should not always expect what Allah must give. If we desire better things in this life and the hereafter we must also give.

By Abubakar Garba Osuman (Journalist).

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