Essence and teaching of Eid-ul-Azha
Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed :
The greatest sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was accepted to Almighty and animal slaughter is duly introduced instead of his beloved son. Thus Qurbani is nothing but a way of testing and trialing to purify of one’s mindset –whether we have a clean mind free from brutality, jealousy and cruelty. Neither a big size animal nor its flesh reaches the Almighty but the God fearing is the main factor. The Eid-ul-Azha is the second largest festival of the Muslim community. It is celebrated all over the world with the spirit of sacrifice.
The festival of Eid-ul-Azha and all the different activities related with the festival have a tremendous impact on the socio-economic conditions of the Muslims. Eid-ul-Azha corresponds with Hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca by the financially able Muslims. The Hajj has been a major source of foreign currency for the Saudi economy since the earliest days when the Hajj was introduced. It is an important source for foreign currency exchange for other economies as well. Bangladesh economy has to handle banking transactions along with foreign currency exchanges and job creation to help the pilgrims. The performance of Hajj and sacrifice of cattle during Eid-ul-Azha generate money supply, promote trade and business, create jobs, and overall, helps the economy. Competent macro management of such supply side economy can prove to be crucial for sustainable development.
Eid-ul-Adha has huge impact on socio-economic aspect. The performance of Hajj and the sacrifice of cattle during Eid celebration, in essence, generate money supply, promote trade and business, create job, and at large bring boom for the economy. The economy of Eid-ul-Adha seems to be the most dynamic of all other celebrations in generating business and temporary employment. The multiplier effect of billions spent on the occasion has long term effect on the economic area. Besides achieving the blessing of Allah, the event generates additional demand for a wider variety of goods and services. It is the rural Bangladeshis who raise sacrificial animals and receive the major chunk of the spending. During Eid-ul-Adha, the main family spending is focused on Qurbani, unlike Eid-ul-Fitr when the major chunk of shopping is on dress, shoes, jewellery and other personal affects.
The Eid enlightens our path with true spirit of righteousness and rectitude. A sacrifice, usually taken to be the slaughtering of animals, is more than that. The physical act of sacrificing of the animals is just a ritual, is just a tradition and is just a sacred practice whereas the essence lies far beyond it and the spirit of it goes far beyond common human perception. This act of sacrifice symbolizes our will to give up some of our own bounties. It is to train us how to surrender ourselves to the will of Allah. Muslims recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and they should open our heart and share with others. Eid-ul-Adha is a time for Muslims to learn the value of self-denial by making a sacrifice of something living to Allah. The sacrifice of an animal for the sake of Allah, development of a sacrificial attitude amidst the Muslims through giving up their bestiality in mind is also attained. Sacrifices strengthen our inner spiritual and moral resources and develop qualities of character which are essential to our struggle at every level of our existence.
The Holy Founder of Islam not only emphasized the sacrifices to be offered on the day of Eid but actually slaughtered animals on that sacred day and declared that “a Muslim who can afford to but does not offer a sacrifice has no business to join in our Eid prayers.” The Companions of the Holy Prophet followed the example set by him in this respect. The consensus of opinion of Muslims of all shades is in favour of the legality of sacrifices. Moreover, the four doctors of law agree on the point that sacrifices are essential and obligatory on those who have the capacity to do so. The suggestion that animal sacrifices should be replaced by pecuniary aid is nothing less than a heretical idea for it is tantamount to wrongfully meddling with the Islamic Shariah which originated from the divine source and was inculcated by the Seal of Prophet himself.
On this Eid, we should pledge to break from the temptation of worldly riches and imbue ourselves with the spirit of sharing, compassion and virtue. We should reach out to those who are less fortunate than us and refrain from ostentatious behaviour that can offend others’ sensitivities. In Eid congregation all people forgetting and forgiving their past ill activities, they submit their humble prayer before God for peace and unity. As a result, we see a very heavenly atmosphere in Eid congregation and it becomes a big meeting place with each other. Let us take and treat this festival as a media of our sense and social bondage. In this Eid our sole demand would be to go the deep essence of Eid-UL-Azha. So we always become the worshiper of the truth and beauty. Let us promise that we spread the teaching of humanity to all mankind for God’s mercy. Our prayers are with all Muslims who may not be able to celebrate this festival with due gaiety because they are besieged by war, poverty or other injustice. We fervently hope that the essence of Eid — of bonding, harmony, unity and peace — may embrace us all.
(The writer is former Deputy Director General, Bangladesh Ansar & VDP).
