Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallaahu wallahu Akbar. Allaahu Akbar, walillaahil Hamd.
Brothers and Sisters in Islam,
Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallaahu wallahu Akbar. Allaahu Akbar, walillaahil Hamd.
We gather today on this blessed day of 'Eed al-Adhaa, a day of great joy and celebration for Muslims around the world. It is a day that marks the culmination of the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj, and a day deeply connected to the timeless story of Prophet Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) and his son Ismaa'eel (peace be upon him).
The ritual sacrifice we perform during these days – the Qurbaanee – is a powerful physical manifestation of the submission and devotion demonstrated by Prophet Ibraaheem. It is a Sunnah of our father Ibraaheem. But the lessons from their story, and indeed from the very essence of Islam, extend far beyond this annual act of sacrificing an animal. Today, let us reflect on the profound importance of personal sacrifice in our daily lives, beyond the ritual.
Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallaahu wallahu Akbar. Allaahu Akbar, walillaahil Hamd.
The Quraan recounts the story of Prophet Ibraaheem receiving a divine command in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son. This was described as a clear" trial" (ٱلْبَلَـٰٓؤُا۟ ٱلْمُبِينُ ١٠٦), a test of unimaginable difficulty. The Quraan highlights a crucial aspect of this story that differs from other narratives: Prophet Ibraaheem shared his dream with his son, Ismaa'eel.
What was Ismaa'eel's response? With unwavering faith and submission, he replied,
Those who set the Ranks (37:102)
ۚ قَالَ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ ٱفْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِىٓ إِن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ ١٠٢
"O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allāh wills, of the steadfast."
Both father and son demonstrated absolute submission (islam) to Allaah's will. When they had both submitted and Ibraaheem laid him prostrate, Allaah intervened, calling out,
Those who set the Ranks (37:105)
قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ ٱلرُّءْيَآ ۚ إِنَّا كَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِى ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ١٠٥
You have fulfilled the vision." Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.
Those who set the Ranks (37:106)
إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَهُوَ ٱلْبَلَـٰٓؤُا۟ ٱلْمُبِينُ ١٠٦
Indeed, this was a clear trial.
Those who set the Ranks (37:107)
وَفَدَيْنَـٰهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيمٍۢ ١٠٧
And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice,
Allaah did not desire pain; He wanted proof of love and submission. This incredible narrative teaches us that the core lesson of sacrifice in Islam is unwavering faith and submission (Islam) to Allaah's commands, even when they seem incomprehensible or incredibly difficult. True submission involves obeying Allaah's will without question.
It is a way to manifest love for Allaah that is greater than worldly possessions, children, wives, or anything else one cherishes. It is an act of servitude and a testament to one's devotion. It increases piety (Taqwaa) and draws us nearer to Allaah, for what reaches Him is not the physical act alone, but the piety behind it. The story also emphasizes patience and perseverance in the face of trials and the importance of being willing to let go of attachments to what we love most for Allaah's sake.
Being a Muslim, one who submits, is the foundation. But striving to be a Mu'min, a true believer, requires continuous effort and discipline. Being a Mu'min is not easy. It requires making sacrifices.
So, what does this personal sacrifice look like in our contemporary lives, beyond the ritual of Qurbaanee?:
Firstly, it involves giving up *Haraam* (forbidden) things. This is a significant and often challenging form of personal sacrifice. It means letting go of things we might desire or be attached to, but which are displeasing to Allaah. This could include:
* Giving up a forbidden relationship.
* Foregoing a career path that involves Haraam activities.
* Overcoming addictions to drugs, alcohol, or other harmful substances.
* Choosing to avoid music or other forms of entertainment that are explicitly forbidden.
* Sacrificing "lots of cheap desires" that pull us away from righteousness.
Letting go of these things for the sake of Allaah is a direct application of Prophet Ibraheem's willingness to sacrifice what he loved most. It requires strength and discipline, and it is not always easy.
Secondly, personal sacrifice means avoiding sins and disciplining the self in daily interactions. This includes:
* Striving to avoid backbiting and gossip, even when those around us engage in it.
* Working on patience, for example, in dealing with family.
* Resisting temptations and external pressures that might lead us away from the path of righteousness, just as Prophet Ibraheem resisted Shaytaan's attempts.
* Standing up against wrongdoing, which is noted as a difficult part of being a Mu'min.
These acts of self-discipline and resistance to temptation are ongoing sacrifices. They demonstrate our commitment to aligning our lives with Allaah’s will.
Thirdly, the story of Ibraheem and Ismaa’eel teaches us patience and perseverance in the face of trials and hardships. Allaah tests believers, and this life is inherently a test. Personal sacrifice involves enduring difficulties with resilience and trusting in Allaah's plan.
Finally, while Qurbaanee involves distributing meat to the needy, the broader lesson is increasing love for others and caring for those less fortunate. Sacrifice is not solely about our relationship with Allaah but also about how we share our blessings and show compassion to others. This can involve dedicating our time, effort, or wealth beyond obligatory charity for the benefit of the community and those in need.
Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallaahu wallaahu Akbar. Allaahu Akbar, walillaahil Hamd.
Islam does indeed demand sacrifice. Being a true believer, a Mu'min, requires discipline and effort. It is not always easy. Yet, we are reminded that Allaah intends ease for us, not hardship, and that the trials are part of the path to growth and immense reward. "Indeed, this was a clear trial." but it led to great reward and mercy.
On this ‘Eed, as we commemorate the monumental sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahem and Ismaa’eel, let us look inwards and reflect on the personal sacrifices that Allaah calls us to make in our own lives. What are we holding onto that we need to let go of for His sake? What habits or desires are we struggling to overcome? What patience or discipline is required of us?
May Allaah accept our Qurbaanee, our prayers, our fasting during the days of Dhul Hijjah, and all our acts of worship and sacrifice. May He make us among the true believers, the Mu'minin, who are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to draw closer to Him.
Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallaahu wallahu Akbar. Allaahu Akbar, walillaahil Hamd.
Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallaahu wallahu Akbar. Allaahu Akbar, walillaahil Hamd.
Dear brothers and sisters, 'Eed is a day of gratitude and celebration. Let us celebrate the mercy of Allaah who replaced the sacrifice of Ismaa'eel with a ram. Let us remember the immense faith and submission of Prophet Ibraaheem and Ismaa'eel.
The story of Ibraaheem is not just a historical event; it's a mirror for our own lives. We are constantly presented with choices between our desires and Allaah's commands. Choosing Allaah's command is the sacrifice. Whether it's sacrificing sleep for Fajr prayer, sacrificing comfort to give charity, sacrificing anger for patience, or sacrificing a forbidden pleasure for obedience – these are all echoes of Ibraaheem's trial.
As we enjoy the blessings of 'Eed, let us not forget those who are struggling, those who truly experience hardship and loss. Sharing the Qurbaanee meat is a beautiful reminder of this. Let us extend our compassion and support beyond this day.
May this 'Eed bring you and your families immense joy, peace, and blessings. May Allaah accept all our efforts and guide us to be among the righteous.
Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallaahu wallahu Akbar. Allaahu Akbar, walillaahil Hamd.
(Du'a - Prayer)
May Allaah accept our worship and sacrifice.
May Allaah forgive our sins and shortcomings.
May Allaah strengthen our faith and make us steadfast upon the truth.
May Allaah make us among those who truly submit to His will in all aspects of our lives.
May Allaah bless our families and communities.
May Allaah bring peace and justice to the oppressed around the world.
May Allaah grant us the best in this life and the Hereafter.
Ameen.
Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallaahu wallahu Akbar. Allaahu Akbar, walillaahil Hamd.
اللَّهُمَّ اقْسِمْ لَنَا مِنْ خَشْيَتِكَ مَا يَحُولُ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَ مَعَاصِيكَ وَمِنْ طَاعَتِكَ مَا تُبَلِّغُنَا بِهِ جَنَّتَكَ وَمِنْ الْيَقِينِ مَا تُهَوِّنُ بِهِ عَلَيْنَا مُصِيبَاتِ الدُّنْيَا وَمَتِّعْنَا بِأَسْمَاعِنَا وَأَبْصَارِنَا وَقُوَّتِنَا مَا أَحْيَيْتَنَا وَاجْعَلْهُ الْوَارِثَ مِنَّا وَاجْعَلْ ثَأْرَنَا عَلَى مَنْ ظَلَمَنَا وَانْصُرْنَا عَلَى مَنْ عَادَانَا وَلَا تَجْعَلْ مُصِيبَتَنَا فِي دِينِنَا وَلَا تَجْعَلْ الدُّنْيَا أَكْبَرَ هَمِّنَا وَلَا مَبْلَغَ عِلْمِنَا وَلَا تُسَلِّطْ عَلَيْنَا مَنْ لَا يَرْحَمُنَا
O Allaah, apportion for us fear of You that shall come between us and disobedience of You; and of obedience to You which shall cause us to obtain Your Paradise; and of certainty which shall make the afflictions of the world easy for us; and enjoyment of our hearing, seeing, and strength as long as You keep us alive, and make it the inheritor (i.e. last until we reach death) from us. Let our vengeance be upon those who have wronged us, and aid us against those who show enmity towards us, and don't make our affliction in our religion, and don't make this world our greatest concern, nor the limit of our knowledge, and don't give power over us to those who will not have mercy on us.
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