REFLECTION ON EID-UL-ADHA
The Muslim Congress wishes all Muslims in Nigeria and those currently performing Hajj in Makkah a prosperous Eid-ul-Adha. Eidul Adha is the greatest day for those at Hajj and at home. It is known as Yawm an-Nahr (the day of Sacrifice), because it is on this crucial day that the Muslims all over the globe commemorate the bounties and blessings of Allah by slaughtering camels, cows, rams and goats. The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said: “The greatest day of Hajj (Pilgrimage) is the Day of an-Nahr (Slaughtering).” [(Sahîh)
The celebration of Eid-ul-Adha symbolizes a deep reflection on the exemplary traits of sacrifice, love, devotion, obedience and patience exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) during his memorable sojourn on earth. It is expected therefore that all Muslims preparing for this year’s celebration of Eidul Adha imbibe these indelible traits and put them into practice in their quest to reposition Nigeria as the Giant of Africa and worthy nation in the world. Celebration and sacrifice of ram that goes with it is only a means to an end, not an end in itself. Allah says: “It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is the piety from you that reaches Him”. Q22:37
Besides, Eidul Adha is one of the two festivals which Allah granted to the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The narration by Anas (May Allah be please with him) lent credence to the authenticity of Eidul Adha. He reported that Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) came to Medina during the days of Jahiliyyah and found the people observing two days of celebration with play and amusement. Under divine directive, he said: “I came to you and you had in Jahiliyyah, two days of play and amusement. Allah has replaced something better for you. The Day of an-Nahr (festival of slaughtering) and the day of al-Fitri (festival of breaking of the fasting).” [(Sahîh).
The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said: “The day of al-Fitr, and the day of an-Nahr, and the days of at-Tashrîq (the three days after an-Nahr) are our days of Eid (festivity); and they are days of eating and drinking.” [(Sahîh).
Furthermore, we advise our Muslim brethren to slaughter their sacrificial animals with utmost sincerity and devotion. Those who slaughter animals should eat therefrom and share with neighbours, relations, friend and colleagues in the offices. They should intensify gratitude and glorification to Allah by making Takbîr after every obligatory Salat until 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Shaikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimaullahu) said: “The most correct saying concerning the Takbîr, which the majority of the Pious Predecessors, the Scholars from the Companions and Imams align themselves with is to commence Takbîr from Fajr (dawn) on the day of Arafat up until the last day of at-Tashrîq (13th of Dhul-Hijjah), after every Prayer.” [Majmû al-Fatawa (24/220)].
As regards to the actual wording of the Takbîrs (glorifications), Abdullahi Ibn Mas’ûd (May Allah be please with him) reported the following wording: “Allah Akbar, Allah Akbar, La ilaha illa Allâh, Allâhu Akbar, Allâhu Akbar wa lillahil-Hamd (Allâh is the Greatest, Allâh is the Greatest, There is none worthy of worship except Allah. Allâh is the Greatest, Allâh is the Greatest and to Allah belongs all praises.” (Sahih).
On the state of the nation, The Congress uses this medium to appeal to the Federal Government to redress the problems of insecurity, militancy, poverty, rising unemployment and hopelessness facing Nigerians. Similarly, we urge all Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic and religious affiliations to live together as brothers. Let us demonstrate transparent honesty, prudence and faithfulness as leaders and followers in moving the nation forward. The country is indeed unhealthy and requires our fervent prayers.
We pray the way Ibrahim (Peace be with him) prayed saying: My Lord, make this city a place of security and provide its people with fruits. Our Lord! Accept this service from us. Verily, You are the Hearer, the Knower. Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You and of our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our Manasik (acts of devotion and sacrifices), and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. Q2:125-128
If you help the cause of Allah; He will help you and make your feet firm.
Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria! Long live the Ummah!!
SIGNED
Luqman AbdurRaheem, PhD, MNIM, FAAE, FCEnt, FIFP, FIMC, CMC
Amir, The Muslim Congress
