Every civilization in history has celebrated festivals. These festivals aren't just a time to enjoy and get together with loved ones but also an occasion to commemorate important historical events that define the very essence of a people. Allah in His wisdom gave this Ummah two festive occasions per year and today we find ourselves surrounded in the joy of one of them. Let us remember what this celebration commemorates and how it should transform not just what we do to celebrate this day but also what the true essence of joy means to us.
We the Ummah celebrate our father Ibrahim (AS) who was able to pass some of the most incredible and seemingly insurmountable trials to prove His total submission to Allah, body and soul. He was willing to give up his body when he was being thrown in the fire. He was willing to give up a huge piece of his heart when he placed a knife on his dear son's neck. These are just two of the several tests this great father of ours passed with flying colors.
We will be tested in life. Some of those tests will be ones that bring us discomfort and pain and others will involve pain coming to those we love. We celebrate that Allah hasn't given us the kind of tests He gave our father Ibrahim (AS) and that if Allah can assist him through those impossible tasks, rest assured He will see each of us through our own trials.
Lastly, our messenger was told what to do with the slaughtered animal that is at the heart of this Eid's celebration. He was told to feed the one in misery (البائس), the one in bankruptcy (الفقير), the one who won't even ask despite desperate circumstances (القانع), and the one who is so dragged down by difficulty that he has to give up his self self-esteem and ask (المعتر).
When revelation told us to take care of these people in our midst, we were being taught to show them a reason to be joyous and made our joy inseparable from theirs. Let us help those in need around us and include them in our celebration and make them feel like they're not alone. This is how a believer celebrates!
Eid Mubarak Everyone.
