| 28 November 2009
Studying the life and times of Prophet Ibrahim makes us comprehend the concept of Eid-ul-Azha better, writes Prof. Hamid Naseem Rafiabadi.
Eid al Adha is a Muslim festival celebrated in the memory of the prophet Ibrahim. In Hebrew he is called Abraham meaning the father of the multitude and in Arabic Abun Rahimun, the merciful father. Even Hajj has a very intricate relation with the memory of Ibrahim? The origin of Hajj is rooted in the Prophet Ibrahim’s life, peace be on him. That story is very instructive, and illustrative, too, of the true meaning and significance of Hajj. That story you must know to fully understand the benefits Hajj can bring to you. Life and Mission of the Prophet Ibrahim Which Muslim, Christian or Jew does not know the name of Ibrahim (peace be on him)! Two-thirds of mankind revere him as their leader. The Prophets Musa, Isa and Muhammad, (peace be on them), are all his descendants. It is the lamp of guidance lit by him that has long illuminated the whole world feeling of sense of Muslim brotherhood.
Ghazzali says:
“Hajj performed once a year, it becomes immediately clear that it is a magnificent and inspiring demonstration of man’s devotion to God. It is a mass celebration of Tawhid, held at a time and in a place designated by God Almighty Himself, bringing people together from all corners of the globe .This excellent and worthy tradition was established many centuries ago by Abraham”.
He says further: “The Ka’bah is venerated for its universal symbolism as the first house built on earth for God .It is the citadel of Tawhid”. TheAyaat al Bayanat are the apparent indications like its being the building established by Abraham, and Allah has made it honoured and respected and adorned and in it is the Maqâm of Ibrahim.
Below are the details about various episodes of the eventful life of Ibrahim as portrayed in these Quranic verses?
The Quran in Surah Hajj says:
“And strive hard in Allâh's Cause as you ought to strive (with sincerity and with all your efforts that His Name should be superior). He has chosen you (to convey His Message of Islamic Monotheism to mankind by inviting them to His religion, Islâm), and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship, it is the religion of your father Ibrahim (Abraham) (Islamic Monotheism). It is He (Allâh) Who has named you Muslims both before and in this (the Qur'ân), that the Messenger (Muhammad) may be a witness over you and you be witnesses over mankind! So perform AsSalât (Iqamat-as-Salât), give Zakât and hold fast to Allâh [i.e. have confidence in Allâh, and depend upon Him in all your affairs] He is your Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.), what an Excellent Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.) and what an Excellent Helper! (22: 78)
Again in Surah Saffat Allah says about Ibrahim that he was very enthusiastic to slaughter his son for pleasing Allah:
“And, verily, among those who followed his [Nûh's (Noah)] way (Islâmic Monotheism) was Ibrâhim (Abraham).“When he came to his Lord with a pure heart [attached to Allâh Alone and none else, worshipping none but Allâh Alone true Islâmic Monotheism, pure from the filth of polytheism]. When he said to his father and to his people: "What is it that which you worship?” Is it a falsehood âliha (gods) other than Allâh that you seek? "Then what do you think about the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinns, and all that exists)?" Then he cast a glance at the stars (to deceive them). And he said: "Verily, I am sick (with plague. He did this trick to remain in their temple of idols to destroy them and not to accompany them to the pagan's feast)." So they turned away from him, and departed (for fear of the disease). Then he turned to their âliha (gods) and said: "Will you not eat (of the offering before you)? "What is the matter with you that you speak not?" Then he turned upon them, striking (them) with (his) right hand. Then they (the worshippers of idols) came, towards him, hastening. He said: "Worship you that which you (yourselves) carve? "While Allâh has created you and what you make!" They said: "Build for him a building (it is said that the building was like a furnace) and throw him into the blazing fire!" So they plotted a plot against him, but We made them the lowest. And he said (after his rescue from the fire): "Verily, I am going to my Lord. He will guide me!" "My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous." So We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy. And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: "O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offer you in sacrifice to Allâh), so look what you think!" He said: "O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Inshâ' Allâh (if Allâh will), you shall find me ofAs-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.).” Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allâh), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering); And We called out to him: "O Abraham! You have fulfilled the dream (vision)!" Verily! Thus do We reward theMuhsinûn (good-doers). Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. a ram); And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times. Salâmun (peace) be upon Ibrâhim (Abraham)!" Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsinûn (good-doers). Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves. And We gave him the glad tidings of Ishâque (Isaac) a Prophet from the righteous. We blessed him and Ishâque (Isaac), and of their progeny are (some) that do right, and some that plainly wrong themselves. (37:84-113)
In Surah Anbia the Quran says about Ibrahim: “And indeed We bestowed aforetime on Ibrâhim (Abraham) his (portion of) guidance, and We were Well-Acquainted with him (as to his Belief in the Oneness of Allâh, etc.). When he said to his father and his people: "What are these images, to which you are devoted?" They said: "We found our fathers worshipping them." He said: "Indeed you and your fathers have been in manifest error." They said: "Have you brought us the truth, or are you one of those who play about?" . He said: "Nay, your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, Who created them and of that I am one of the witnesses. "And by Allâh, I shall plot a plan (to destroy) your idols after you have gone away and turned your backs." So he broke them to pieces, (all) except the biggest of them, that they might turn to it. They said: "Who has done this to our âliha (gods)? He must indeed be one of the wrong-doers." They said: "We heard a young man talking (against) them who is called Ibrâhim (Abraham)." They said: "Then bring him before the eyes of the people, that they may testify." They said: "Are you the one who has done this to our gods, O Ibrâhim (Abraham)?" [Ibrâhim (Abraham)] said: "Nay, this one, the biggest of them (idols) did it. Ask them, if they can speak!" So they turned to themselves and said: "Verily, you are the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers)." Then they turned to themselves (their first thought and said): "Indeed you [Ibrâhim (Abraham)] know well that these (idols) speak not!" [Ibrâhim (Abraham)] said: "Do you then worship besides Allâh, things that can neither profit you, nor harm you? "Fie upon you, and upon that which you worship besides Allâh! Have you then no sense?" They said: "Burn him and help your âliha (gods), if you will be doing." We (Allâh) said: "O fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibrâhim (Abraham)!" And they wanted to harm him, but We made them the worst losers. And We rescued him and Lout (Lot) to the land which We have blessed for the 'Alamîn (mankind and jinns). And We bestowed upon him Ishâque (Isaac), and (a grandson) Ya'qûb (Jacob). Each one We made righteous. And We made them leaders, guiding (mankind) by Our Command, and We inspired in them the doing of good deeds, performingSalât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and the giving of Zakât and of Us (Alone) they were worshippers. And (remember) Lout (Lot), We gave him Hukman (right judgement of the affairs and Prophethood) and (religious) knowledge, and We saved him from the town (folk) who practised Al-Khabâ'ith (evil, wicked and filthy deeds, etc.). Verily, they were a people given to evil, and were Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient, to Allâh). . And We admitted him to Our Mercy, truly, he was of the righteous. (21:51:75)
To understand the real philosophy of this festival, it’s imperative on us to study the life of this great prophet and how Qur’an treats the whole subject. Let’s celebrate Eid and make a pledge that we follow the footsteps of this great prophet Ibrahim. May God be pleased with them all.