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Eid Al-Adha: To Sacrifice for the Dearest

Eid Al-Adha: To Sacrifice for the Dearest

10 - Feb - 2021
Lifestyle
4
Min

Have you ever thought about sacrificing what you love most? How would you feel then? What if you lose that to gain a better thing; something that would make you a better person, more worthwhile? If you can sacrifice what you love most, to give it away or leave it behind, and if you do that to get near to your merciful sustainer, Allah, then you can feel the spirit of eid al-Adha with all your heart. In what follows, we will delve more into one of the most significant occasions in the Islamic calendar, eid al-Adha.    

What Is Eid al-Adha? When Is It Celebrated?

Eid al-Adha or eid al-Qurban is the second greatest feast among Muslims which is celebrated on the tenth of Dhu al-Hijjah every year around the world. This day, also marks a part of Hajj rituals at a place called Mina near Mecca, where the pilgrims are supposed to offer a sacrifice to commemorate Prophet Abraham’s (PBUH&HP) act in submitting to Allah’s will and sacrificing his son, Ishmael (PBUH), for His sake [1]. We will recount Abraham’s (PBUH) moving challenge in the following paragraphs.

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What Do Muslims Do to Celebrate Eid al-Adha?

Doing Ghusl (ritual bath): 

Doing Ghusl on the day of Eid al-Adha is highly recommended (mustahab).


Eid Prayer:

This prayer is precisely the same as the Eid al-Fitr prayer [i]. 

Offering a Sacrifice:

It is compulsory upon those participating in Hajj whether Hajj al-tammattu or Umrah. This act is also recommended for the Muslims who haven’t been attended the Hajj rituals. It is also recommended to share the sacrificial meat with other people, especially those in need so that everyone would have a part in the joy of this day.

Reciting Takbirs of this Eid:

Those who are present in the desert of Mina on this day must recite these Takbirs after daily prayers, starting from the noon prayer on the day of Eid and ending in dawn prayer of the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah. However, those who are not present in the desert of Mina on Eid's day should recite the Takbirs after ten daily prayers, starting from noon prayer of Eid's day, to the dawn prayer of the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah. These Takbirs are as follows:


اَللهُ اَكْبَرُ اَللهُ اَكْبَرُ، لا اِلـهَ اِلاَّ اللهُ وَ اللهُ اَكْبَر اَللهُ اَكْبَرُ، و للهِ الْحَمْدُ اَللهُ اَكْبَرُ عَلی ما هَدانا ااَللهُ اَكْبَرُ عَلی ما رَزَقَنا مِنْ بَهیمَةِ الانعامِ وَ الْحَمْدُ لِلّهِ عَلی ما أبْلانا

"Allah is great, Allah is great, there's no god but Allah and Allah is great, To Allah be the praise, Allah is great for He has guided us, Allah is great for he has given us sustenance from cattle, Praise be to Allah for He has tested us." [1]

Recommended Supplications:

Some of the supplications recommended for this day include Du'a al-Nudba, 48th supplication of al-Sahifa al-Sajjadiyya, which starts with: “O God, this is a blessed and fortunate day …”, and the 46th supplication of this book as well.

Forbidden Actions:

Note that fasting (Sawm) on this day is forbidden (Haram), just like Eid al-Fitr. 

What Does Eid al-Adha Mean?

The Arabic word “eid” literally means, “to go back” and generally is a name given to special Islamic celebrations, such as eid al-Fitr, eid al-Mab’ath, eid al-Ghadir, etc. In other words, the Islamic celebrations are in essence a reminder for Muslims to stop and look back at their actions so far, repent from their sins and promise to follow Allah’s lead which has been brought to them by Prophet Muhammad and his progeny (PBUTh). 

Al-Adha roots back to the word “Dhuha” in Arabic meaning “the time when the sun is rising before noon.” This word refers to the time when the pilgrims are supposed to offer their sacrifices, which is at the sunrise. Al-Qurban, however, which means “sacrificing,” refers to the act of offering a sacrifice done by pilgrims on this day.

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What Is the History behind this Eid?

At his old age, Prophet Abraham (PBUH&HP) saw in a dream that he had been sacrificing his beloved son, Ishmael (PBUH), his first child, after many years of being deprived of one, for whose birth he married Hagar and dearly prayed to Allah. He knew that this dream was a message from Allah, and there was no way for him to disobey his Lord. He retold the dream to Ishmael, and he, despite his youth, surrendered to Allah’s will and said, “Father! Do whatever you have been commanded. If Allah wishes, you will find me to be patient” (37:102).

 It wasn’t a simple task for a father, for sure. But Abraham’s (PBUH) unbending faith in Allah gave him the strength to pull himself together and follow the command. He took Ishmael to an altar and was about to cut his throat when the glad tidings came from Allah that, “You have indeed fulfilled your vision! Thus indeed do We reward the virtuous! This was indeed a manifest test.”(37:105-106). Abraham’s (PBUH) submission, patience, and trust in Allah were, thus, rewarded and a heavenly ram was sent to him to sacrifice instead. 

Therefore, every year, Muslims celebrate prophet Abraham’s (PBUH) success in sacrificing what he held dearest for the sake of his dear Lord, leaving no doubt in his sincere love and submission to Him.

What Is the Philosophy behind this Eid?

Abraham (PBUH) made a sacrifice to remove any barrier between himself and Allah and get as close to Him as possible. Thus, Eid al-Adha is the day to sacrifice anything, which has separated us from Allah and has deprived us of feeling His presence in our lives. The reason behind the commemoration of this day and the significance of Abraham’s story is to remind us that one should ignore his/her whims, sacrifice his/her inclinations and attachments to this world, the dearest of which children and the loved ones, for the sake of Allah and His Will. 

In other words, Abraham’s adherence in following Allah’s command, despite the pain he felt and all the fluctuations he might have faced on his way to perform this duty, shows us that for a person who desires to be among the chosen creatures in Allah’s regard, nothing gets in the way between him/her and his/her Lord’s decrees. Nothing is dearer for this person, not even his/her family and children than his/her beloved Creator, Allah. Thus, His will, no matter how hard and painful it may be, goes beyond the love for family and children.  On the other hand, when Allah saw Abraham's (PBUH) utter submission to His will even at the expense of sacrificing his son, He considered the test done and granted them a high status in this world and the hereafter. That is the case with every other person who demonstrates the same attitude toward Allah.     

 In fact, we do not sacrifice for Allah, since He is self-sufficient and not in need of our sacrifices. About sacrificing an animal the Quran says: “It is not their flesh or blood that reaches Allah; rather, it is your piety that reaches Him. Thus has He disposed them for your benefit so that you may magnify Allah for His guiding you. And give good news to the virtuous.” (22:37) 

We sacrifice for ourselves, to be a better version of ourselves, to reach perfection. On the path toward perfection, one is always faced with tests and hardships. Trials are signs for us to realize that Allah has seen us worthy of becoming one of His desired creatures. And in every trial, one is required to make a sacrifice; this can be sacrificing your wealth, your life, your selfishness, your grudges, anger, etc. [3].   

Notes:

[i] Eid prayer consists of two rak'as. After Sura al-Fatiha in each rak'a another sura from the Qur'an is recited; however, it is better to read Sura al-Shams in the former and Sura al-Ghashiya in the latter or Sura al-A'la and Surat al-Shams respectively. After reciting sura in the first rak'a, there are five takbirs followed by five qunuts and in the second rak'a, four takbirs with four qunuts. Any supplications or prayers will suffice in the qunuts, like the other prayer, but it is better to read a special supplication [4].


References:

  1. eid al Adha
  2. (37:102-105)
  3. Eid
  4. Khomeini, Taḥrīr al-wasīla, vol. 1, p. 273.
     


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40 Absorbing Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (AS) Quotes

14 - Feb - 2021 1,063 Read 5 Min

1. How to Treat People

Treat people the way you like to be treated.

Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.297.

2. Good Temper 

The best of virtues is being good-tempered. 

al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Khisal (The Traits), p.29.

3. Serving Allah in Imam Hasan (AS)'s View

Whoever serves Allah sincerely, Allah will make all the universe serve him/her. 

Warram b. Abi Firas al-Hilli, Tanbih al-khawatir wa nuzhat al-nawazir , vol.2, p.108.

4. Giving Thanks

The one who doesn't give thanks for his/her blessings is a worthless person.

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p. 233.

5. The Month of Ramadan

Allah has made the month of Ramadan like a competition for His servants, to compete for His satisfaction with each other through obeying Him. 

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.236.

6. Your Neighbor

Treat your neighbor kindly to be worthy of being a Muslim.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.112.

7. Think and Contemplate

I advise you to think and contemplate since they enliven an insightful person's heart and are the key to wisdom.

Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.297.

8. Consulting in Imam Hasan (AS)'s Words

Consulting in groups leads you toward success. 

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.233.

9. A True Friend

A true friend is always on your side, whether in hardships or comforts. 

 al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.114. 

10. The Meaning of Patience according to Imam Hasan (AS) 

Patience means restraining from anger and having yourself under control.

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.227. 

11. Your Creation is Not Vain

O' servants of Allah, beware that Allah had not created you in vain, nor left you on your own. Instead, He had determined the years of your lives and has distributed your sustenance among you. This way, any wise person will realize his/her worth and that he/she won't get more than what has been determined for him/her.

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.234.

12.This Life and the Life that Is to Come

Strive for this life as if you will live forever, and make every effort for the life that is to come as if you will die the next day. 

Muhammad Reza, Ali and Muhammad Hakimi, Al-Hayat (Life), vol.4, p.62.

13. A Reflection on this World by Imam Hasan (AS)

This world is the dwelling of pain and hardship, and whatever rests here is doomed to mortality. Allah had informed us of this world's workings to learn our lessons from it. He has warned us beforehand so that no excuse will remain at the end for us. Therefore, be pious in dealing with what is temporal (i.e., this world) and seek what is eternal (the afterlife). 

Muhammad b. 'Ali b. Shahrashub, Manāqib Āl Abī Ṭālib, vol.4, p.31. 

14. The Quran

Verily, the lights of guidance in this Quran leads toward prosperity. This Quran heals hearts and souls. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.75, p.11.

15. The Right and Wrong

There is a thin line between what is right and wrong; what you see with your own eyes is the right thing, and what you hear or is told about might be wrong. 

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.229.

16. Be Grateful

Being grateful for the blessings and being patient in hardships, are the virtues to which you can't find any negative side. 

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.234.

17. Your Religion 

Verily, people are slaves to this world and its wealth and make their religion a means of reaching their (worldly) purposes and do whatever it takes to build an ideal life. Therefore, when faced with a trial, few will adhere to their religions.

Qadi Nur Allah Shushtari, Ihqaq al-haqq, vol.11, p.234.

18. Know Allah

Whoever knows Allah, will fall in love with Him. 

Warram b. Abi Firas al-Hilli, Tanbih al-khawatir wa nuzhat al-nawazir, vol.1, p.52. 

19. The Blessings 

The blessings are unappreciated as long as they are at hand, yet their worth will be appreciated as soon as they are lost.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.115.

20. Meanness 

Meanness is considering what you own as the reason for your honor, and what you give away as waste. 

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.225.

 21. Poverty 

Poverty is the greed that is not satisfied with anything.

 Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, pp.225&226.

22. Ponder as Imam Hasan (AS) Says

I advise you to piety and constant pondering since thinking is the root of all virtues.

Warram b. Abi Firas al-Hilli, Tanbih al-khawatir wa nuzhat al-nawazir, vol.1, p.52.

23. The Ability to Supplicate

When Allah blesses someone with the ability to supplicate to Him, He surely gives his/her prayers the chance of being granted. 

 al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.113.

24. An Unnecessary Burden 

Expressing your opinion on the subject, which is not related to you, puts an unnecessary burden on your shoulders.

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.226.

25. The Sign of Abasement

Being afraid of honesty and expressing the truth is a sign of abasement.

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.226.

26. Three Destructive Things in Imam Hasan (AS)'s Words

There are three things that bring destruction to people; pride, greed, and envy. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.111. 

27. The Best Chance to Forgive

The best chance for a benevolent person to forgive a guilty one is when there is no way out for the latter.

 Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.297.

28. The Spirit of Generosity

Whoever counts the number of his/her charities, ruins his/her spirit of generosity. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.113.

29. The Eyes and the Ears

The most insightful eyes are the ones that are fixed only on the goodness and virtues, and the most receptive ears are the ones who listen to advice and make use of them.

 al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.109.

30. Silence, Recommended by Imam Hasan (AS)

At times, silence is a better companion, even if you are a perfect speaker.

 al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Ma'ani l-Akhbar, section no.401. Hadith no. 62. 

31. The Calamities 

The calamities are the keys to blessings and rewards. 

Hasan ibn Muhammad Deilami, Aalam al-din fi Sifat al-Moumenin, p.297.

32. Worshiping Allah

Whoever seeks to worship [Allah] sincerely, should purify him/herself for this purpose. 

Ibn Shu'ba al-Harrani, Tuhaf al-'uqul, p.236.

33. A Precious Wealth 

No wealth is more precious than wisdom.

 Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.2, p.198.

34. Wisdom

Treating people good-manneredly is a crucial part of wisdom. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78, p.111.

35. Teach 

Teach your knowledge to others and learn what others know; this way, you will both improve your own knowledge and learn what you didn't know about.

 Baha' al-Din 'Ali b. 'Isa al-Irbili, Kashf al-ghumma fi ma'rifat al-a'imma, vol.2, p.197.

36. Food for Thought

I wonder how you would think about the food for your body and don't contemplate on the food for your thought? You restrain from eating what is harmful to your body, but fill your mind and soul with what ruins them. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.1, p.218. 

37. Anger

Your [real] thoughts will be revealed in your anger. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78., p.113.

38. Allah's Satisfaction

I guarantee that Allah will grant the prayers of the one whose only purpose is Allah's satisfaction. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.43. , p.351.

39. Trust Allah

Whoever trusts Allah's best intention,  will only desire what Allah chooses for him/her. 

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.78., p.106.

40. Alms-Tax

Giving alms-tax (Zakat) does not reduce your wealth.

al-'Allama al-Majlisi, Bihar al-anwar, vol.96., p.23. 



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Are Muslims Allowed to Dance?

22 - Jan - 2021 5,339 Read 4 Min

Dancing is a natural behavior in many cultures; a way of showing happiness or sometimes sadness. In a theory raised by me! the release of energy by moving our body is dancing. But in a theory raised by a scholar "dance refers to a rhythmic movement of the body, usually for entertainment" [1]. Now, let us take both of these definitions into consideration and see what kind of dancing in Islam is forbidden (Haram).

The General Ruling of Dancing in Islam

In the view of some Islamic scholars, it is not permissible for women to dance anywhere in any ceremony irrespective of whether it is a wedding or a birthday ceremony except for a woman's dancing for her husband.

In expanding the above ruling, it has been said that “there is no problem in dancing in itself. However, if dancing entails sexual excitation or committing a forbidden (Haram) act like listening to forbidden (Haram) music, or it is in the presence of non-mahram men, it is forbidden (Haram). And it does not make a difference as to the various types of music. Generally speaking, if dancing is done in a sexually exciting manner, and lead to the commission of a forbidden act, or involves a bad effect, or if it is happening in front of a non-Mahram it is forbidden (Haram)” [3].

If a woman dances for her husband or vice-versa, and the dancing is not accompanied by a forbidden (Haram) act, there is no problem in it [4].

Dancing in Mixed Parties

In mixed parties where men and women are sitting together, the dance of men or women in front of others is forbidden. Some think that it is OK if men dance in front of women. But in fact, it is forbidden (Haram) for a man to dance. Dance of women in front of men and any dancing which may entail a bad effect and arousal of sexual desires are forbidden (Haram). Playing music and listening to it is also unlawful (Haram) if it is done in a lahwi, enrapturing manner.

No matter if men or women who are dancing together or in front of others are of their unmarriageable kin (maḥrams) of the opposite sex. What is forbidden about dancing is general, i.e., regardless of whether it is done by a man, a woman, or in the presence of one’s marriageable kin (non-maḥram) or unmarriageable kin (maḥram) [5].

Women Dancing for Women in Small Parties, Friendly Gatherings, and Weddings

Dance of women for women is permitted (Halal) if it is not done in a sexually exciting manner and does not lead to the commission of a forbidden act, nor entails a bad effect. However, it is forbidden (Haram) to attend a dance party if it is considered as accepting the forbidden (Haram) act of others or leads to committing a forbidden (Haram) act. Otherwise, there is no harm in it. Dance of a woman for other women is forbidden if her husband does not allow her to do so. 

Some people think that the rulings of dancing do not apply to wedding parties as it is just one happy night. But there is no difference between a  wedding party and other occasions. Dancing with music is forbidden (Haram) [6].

In the case of wedding parties, the dance of women in front of women is not forbidden (Haram) under the conditions mentioned above.

Men Dancing for Men in Separate Parties or Weddings

As mentioned before, by obligatory caution, it is forbidden (Haram) for men to dance.

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Dancing for fitness/ Aerobics and other sports with music

Here we discuss the point of releasing energy by moving the body. Is it forbidden (Haram)?

If the movements of the body do not meet the criteria of forbidden (Haram) dance, and if it is not accompanied by forbidden (Haram) music, there is no problem in dancing in private or in groups of women for fitness. However, we have to make sure that such dancing is not happening in front of CCTV cameras or filmed by people who may show it to non-mahrams.

Aerobics and other sports that are based on rhythmic music are permissible if the music is not forbidden (Haram). If music does not cause ecstasy, there is no objection to it. The duty-bound (mukallaf) himself should distinguish whether the music is lahwi or not [7].

Dance Teaching Centers

Establishing centers for teaching and promoting dancing goes against the objectives of the Islamic system and it is impermissible by obligatory caution [8].

References:

  1. Sayyid Mujtaba Husseini, Questions and Answers by Students (Rules regarding Music), pg. 84
  2. Ayatullah Makarem-Shirazi, jurisprudential expressions, http://portal.anhar.ir/node/409#gsc.tab=0
  3. Sayyid Mas'ud Ma'sumi, Rules regarding Man-Woman Relationships, pg. 219
  4. Tawzih al-Masail (with annotations by Imam Khomeini), vol.2, pg. 970
  5. Dancing
  6. dance in Islam
  7. Dance
  8. Dance infront of non Mahrams


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