A Time For Reflection – Welcoming Eid Al Adha After The Mecca Crane Tragedy
Sacrifices are being made all over the world, and today, the Muslims observe the feast of sacrifice, or Eid Al Adha (Hari Raya Aidiladha), one of two major festivals celebrated in Islam.
The day is marked by slaughtering animals, one third to be enjoyed in a feast by family and friends, one third is given to other friends, and one third is donated to the poor and hungry.
It honours the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim who sacrificed his own son, Ismail, and Ismail’s consent to being sacrificed, as an act of obedience to God, but however, at the final minute, at His mercy, God intervenes, and provides Ibrahim with a ram to be sacrificed instead.
The celebration also marks the end of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Islam's holiest site, and is an integral part of the Muslim faith. Each year, millions of Muslims will make the pilgrimage and stand before the Kaaba, a shrine built by Ibrahim, and pray to God.
To commemorate the day, Muslims begin with morning prayers, followed by the sacrificial slaughtering of animals as a symbol of Ibrahim’s sacrifice, and usually end up feasting in family gatherings.
While understanding the meaning of the sacrificial is key, togetherness in a community and family is also an important aspect of the celebration. This year however, it may be a sombre time for those who have lost their families in a recent tragedy that unfolded in Mecca.
107 pilgrims including seven Malaysians loss their lives on September 11, and hundreds of others were injured when a crane toppled over the Grand Mosque in Mecca.
In understanding the true meaning of the sacrifices performed during the Eid Al Adha celebrations, and in light of the unfortunate event that has bestowed upon the ill-fated families just before the Hajj, Malaysian Digest asks Islamic experts on how best to reflect and welcome the special occasion this year.
Observing Eid Al Adha Celebrations In Malaysia
It is evident that in Malaysia, the more festive holiday celebrated by the Muslims is the Eid Al Fitr (Hari Raya Aidilfitri), in comparison with the Eid Al Adha, although there are certain states like Terengganu and Kelantan, especially, where people revel in with the festivities altogether with their communities.
A common sight during Eid al-Adha in most parts of the country would be to witness a crowd of children and elderly people at the mosque after prayers, idly watching the animals being slaughtered before them, and then getting involved in distributing the meat after. There is however, a lack of participation from youths today.
To this, Ustaz Zamihan Al-Ghari opined, “Youths nowadays, lack faith” and continued to share with us on why he feels this leads to the younger generation no longer being interested in celebrating this festivity.
Ustaz Zamihan Al-Ghari
“They (youths) feel the prayers and the slaughtering of animals are uninteresting, when in fact, both these acts are ‘sunat muaakad’, or in other words, deeds that Muslims are strongly encouraged to perform.
“First off, youths lack faith, and this is the very reason why they fail to perform ‘ibadah’ (obedience, submission and devotion to God), simply because they are plain lazy.
“Secondly, they feel that slaughtering the animals is a job for the elderly, when in fact, the elderly are lacking energy to perform it.
“The youths must show the spirit of togetherness, participate with their communities, and strengthen their bond between families, friends and neighbours. They should take part in the slaughtering of animals and help distribute the meat.
“Youths nowadays are selfish. They are too indulged with their gadgets, and prefer hanging out with their friends, that even on the eve of the Eid, they choose to spend time with their friends from night till dawn, and eventually neglect their prayers,” he observed, and added that in celebrating the festivity, there needs to be more emphasis on the spirit of togetherness in Islam, where strengthening family bond and building relationships within communities are essential.
As for renowned Islamic speaker Sheikh Said Abdel Latif Ahmad Hussein Karawia, in observing the Eid Al Adha celebrations, he detailed that Muslims must truly understand the meaning behind it, that there is more to it than watching animals being sacrificed, or distributing meat to the poor and hungry, because what it is really about is Ibrahim and Ismail’s devotion to God.
“We need to understand why the sacrifices are performed during Eid Al Adha, instead of just enjoying the feast and distributing the meat.
“God had sent Ibrahim to perform the sacrifice because He wanted mankind to see how Ibrahim, Ismail, and Sayyidah Hajar (Ibrahim’s wife) were all devoted to Him, and loved Him.
“We Muslims claim we love God, but just how much do we love Him? Do we love Him more than we love our children, our spouse, and even ourselves?
“When God commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismail, that was his biggest test. Did God know that Ibrahim loved him? Indeed, He did, and wanted to show us all that we can all be like Ibrahim,” he said when contacted by Malaysian Digest.
“During the day of ‘Arafah (an Islamic holy day), God will forgive the sins of pilgrims who make their way to the Plain of `Arafah and those who fast on the day, on the 9th of Dhu'I-Hijja (in the Islamic lunar calendar).
“On the following day, the 10th of Dhu'I-Hijja, is when Muslims perform the sacrifice just like Ibrahim did. God wants us follow in the footsteps Ibrahim, to be obedient and devoted, as well as to love Him,” he shared.
Sheikh Said Abdel Latif Ahmad Hussein KarawiaLike Ustaz Zamihan, Sheikh Said too expressed his views about youths and their lack of understanding towards the celebration.
“Youth nowadays do enjoy the festivity, but they do not really have the heart to truly appreciate it. They are supposed to be reminded of how Ismail felt, make him their role model in terms of his obedience and love for God,” he said, relating that Ismail was also a youth when God had commanded his father to sacrifice him, to which Ismail had agreed. This clearly proves that a boy as young as Ismail was selfless and loved God more than he loved himself.
He added that these were tests given by God to prove that Ibrahim, an adult, Ismail, a boy, and Sayyidah Hajar, a woman, were all able to sacrifice in the name of God, an act Muslims can reflect on and lead by example. And instead of thinking we have enough time to repent for our sins later on in life, we must correct our mistakes before it is too late.
“We have to live like every day is our last day. We must learn to love and be obedient to God, just as Ibrahim was. That is the message behind Eid Al Adha.
“Just like God said in the Quran, Surah Al-Hajj Verse No:37 ‘Neither their meat, nor their blood reaches God. What reaches Him is your righteousness. He has subdued them for you, that you may show your appreciation by glorifying God for guiding you. Give good news to the charitable.’
“How can Muslims be sincere in performing their ibadah if they do not take heed and understand the morals behind Ibrahim and Ismail’s story? Because this is exactly the kind of sincerity and piety that God wants us to follow,” he further stressed.
Reflecting On The Mecca Crane Tragedy During Eid Al Adha
When the crane collapsed in Mecca, an engineer for Saudi Binladin Group, the developer responsible for the construction, claimed that the crane was installed in an extremely professional way and that the incident was an 'act of God'. Meanwhile, former head of Mecca's religious police, Sheikh Ahmed al-Ghamdi, deemed the tragedy as a 'test' from God.
As Muslims trust that everything happens in God’s will, regardless whether the ill-fated tragedy is considered an act of God, a test from God, or a reminder from God, how best can they learn and reflect upon what happened, and at the same time celebrate on the auspicious day of Eid Al Adha?
Ustaz Zamihan tells us the celebrations must go on, but should be a slightly different one in light of the tragedy, as a sign of respect for the victims and their families. He also goes on to say that what happened at the Grand Mosque in Mecca is nothing peculiar, and that it is destined, in God’s will.
“The celebrations will still go on despite the tragedy. For the people in Mecca, the celebration will be different than the ones in Malaysia, as pilgrims will be focused on performing the Hajj, instead of celebrating Eid itself.
“For the pilgrims, after performing their prayers, they would probably return to their hotel rooms to sleep because on the same night they will make their way from Mina, to a nearby hillside and plain called Mount Arafat and the Plain of `Arafah. It was from this site that Prophet Muhammad gave one of his last famous sermons in the final year of his life.
“Any incident that happened should not deter the pilgrims from completing their Hajj, as many other tragedies have occurred in Mecca. Looking back at history, there have been disputes, killings, idol worshipping, among others. So, there’s nothing peculiar about the recent incident.
“As for the celebrations in Malaysia, it will no doubt be a lively one, especially in Kelantan and in the East Coast, where relatives would most likely go back to their hometowns, perform the sacrifices, distribute the meat, and feast together, which radiates the spirit of togetherness,” he said.
“Everything happens in God’s will, be it good luck or bad luck, good things and bad things, good deeds or evil deeds, as well as life and death.
“God has power over all things, He is able to do all things, and has knowledge over all that surrounds Him. Make no mistake that Mecca may be the holiest place in Islam, but is no exception of His greater power,” he concludes.
Relating this year’s Eid Al Adha celebration with the recent tragedy, Sheikh Said again points that Muslims must not forget that it is a test from God, to those with faith, like His test to Ibrahim and Ismail.
“Muslims must not assume that the tragedy was a sign of God’s wrath, as such claims are inappropriate.
“God will test us all no matter our ibadah, faith, wealth, and family. The tragedy could be a reflection for the pilgrims, for them to seek for God’s forgiveness and remind them that death waits for no one,” he said.
--Malaysian Digest
“Youth nowadays do enjoy the festivity, but they do not really have the heart to truly appreciate it. They are supposed to be reminded of how Ismail felt, make him their role model in terms of his obedience and love for God,” he said, relating that Ismail was also a youth when God had commanded his father to sacrifice him, to which Ismail had agreed. This clearly proves that a boy as young as Ismail was selfless and loved God more than he loved himself.
He added that these were tests given by God to prove that Ibrahim, an adult, Ismail, a boy, and Sayyidah Hajar, a woman, were all able to sacrifice in the name of God, an act Muslims can reflect on and lead by example. And instead of thinking we have enough time to repent for our sins later on in life, we must correct our mistakes before it is too late.
“We have to live like every day is our last day. We must learn to love and be obedient to God, just as Ibrahim was. That is the message behind Eid Al Adha.
“Just like God said in the Quran, Surah Al-Hajj Verse No:37 ‘Neither their meat, nor their blood reaches God. What reaches Him is your righteousness. He has subdued them for you, that you may show your appreciation by glorifying God for guiding you. Give good news to the charitable.’
“How can Muslims be sincere in performing their ibadah if they do not take heed and understand the morals behind Ibrahim and Ismail’s story? Because this is exactly the kind of sincerity and piety that God wants us to follow,” he further stressed.
Reflecting On The Mecca Crane Tragedy During Eid Al Adha
When the crane collapsed in Mecca, an engineer for Saudi Binladin Group, the developer responsible for the construction, claimed that the crane was installed in an extremely professional way and that the incident was an 'act of God'. Meanwhile, former head of Mecca's religious police, Sheikh Ahmed al-Ghamdi, deemed the tragedy as a 'test' from God.
As Muslims trust that everything happens in God’s will, regardless whether the ill-fated tragedy is considered an act of God, a test from God, or a reminder from God, how best can they learn and reflect upon what happened, and at the same time celebrate on the auspicious day of Eid Al Adha?
Ustaz Zamihan tells us the celebrations must go on, but should be a slightly different one in light of the tragedy, as a sign of respect for the victims and their families. He also goes on to say that what happened at the Grand Mosque in Mecca is nothing peculiar, and that it is destined, in God’s will.
“The celebrations will still go on despite the tragedy. For the people in Mecca, the celebration will be different than the ones in Malaysia, as pilgrims will be focused on performing the Hajj, instead of celebrating Eid itself.
“For the pilgrims, after performing their prayers, they would probably return to their hotel rooms to sleep because on the same night they will make their way from Mina, to a nearby hillside and plain called Mount Arafat and the Plain of `Arafah. It was from this site that Prophet Muhammad gave one of his last famous sermons in the final year of his life.
“Any incident that happened should not deter the pilgrims from completing their Hajj, as many other tragedies have occurred in Mecca. Looking back at history, there have been disputes, killings, idol worshipping, among others. So, there’s nothing peculiar about the recent incident.
“As for the celebrations in Malaysia, it will no doubt be a lively one, especially in Kelantan and in the East Coast, where relatives would most likely go back to their hometowns, perform the sacrifices, distribute the meat, and feast together, which radiates the spirit of togetherness,” he said.
“Everything happens in God’s will, be it good luck or bad luck, good things and bad things, good deeds or evil deeds, as well as life and death.
“God has power over all things, He is able to do all things, and has knowledge over all that surrounds Him. Make no mistake that Mecca may be the holiest place in Islam, but is no exception of His greater power,” he concludes.
Relating this year’s Eid Al Adha celebration with the recent tragedy, Sheikh Said again points that Muslims must not forget that it is a test from God, to those with faith, like His test to Ibrahim and Ismail.
“Muslims must not assume that the tragedy was a sign of God’s wrath, as such claims are inappropriate.
“God will test us all no matter our ibadah, faith, wealth, and family. The tragedy could be a reflection for the pilgrims, for them to seek for God’s forgiveness and remind them that death waits for no one,” he said.
--Malaysian Digest
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