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The Muslim festival of EID AL ADHA falls on the 10th day of Zul-hijja. It is a reminder of the great sacrifice offered, some four thousand years ago, by Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Ismail in complete submission to the Will of Allah.
Hazrat Ibrahim saw a vision one night in which he heard the Divine Will asking him to sacrifice something which was dearest to him. In those days, people used to consider camels and others herds as valuable possessions and so Hazrat Ibrahim sacrificed 200 camels. On the following night, Hazrat Ibrahim had the same vision and he again offered 200 camels. On the third night, the voice which spoke to him was more exact and asked for the sacrifice of his only son Ismail.
Next morning Hazrat Ibrahim asked Bibi Hazar Khatun, his wife, to dress Ismail in his best clothes.
Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Ismail set out from home. on the way, Hazrat Ibrahim spoke to his son Ismail and said "O my dear son, I have seen a vision that I must sacrifice you in the way of Allah". Ismail replied: "Father do as you are bidden. Allah willing you shall find me firm and faithful.Hazrat Ibrahim then laid Ismail on the ground to sacrifice him and as he was about to do so Allah said: "Ibrahim, you have fulfilled your vision."
This, indeed, was a severe test on Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Ismail and they both came through it successfully. This sacrifice serves as the most glorious example of their devotion to the Creator, their dedication to the purpose of life and their supreme act of submission and obedience to the Will of Allah.
Prophet Muhammad instructed the Muslims to commemorate the event with a spirit of complete sincerity and submission. The occasion is marked with great joy and festivity, and Muslims gather in large numbers to offer special Eid prayers.
The underlying spirit of sacrificing an animal in the name of Allah is to inspire the believer to conscious submission to the Will of Allah, and if Allah so Wishes, to lay down his own life without the least hesitation.
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