By SHAN-E-ALI WAZIR ALI

Every year, on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Adha (also known as Eid-al-Nahr). This significant event, which this year falls on or around June 17, 2024, after the completion of the Hajj ceremonies, is rooted in a historical event. It commemorates the profound sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail, as an act of obedience to Allah’s command. This act of sacrifice is what gives the festival its name. This story is narrated in the Holy Quran in surah (chapter) 37, ayats (verses) 100-112, as follows:

“My Lord, grant me [a child] from among the righteous.” (100)

So We gave him good tidings of a forbearing boy. (101)

And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, “O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.” He said, “O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.” (102)

And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead (103)

We called to him, “O Abraham, (104)

You have fulfilled the vision.” Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. (105)

Indeed, this was the clear trial. (106)

And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (107),

and We left for him [favorable mention] among later generations: (108)

“Peace upon Abraham.” (109)

Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. (110)

Indeed, he was of Our believing servants. (111)

And We gave him good tidings of Isaac, a prophet from among the righteous. (112)

The story is a powerful demonstration of their unwavering faith and submission to Allah’s will. It is this faith and submission of Prophet Abraham and his son Prophet Ismaili that we commemorate and honour during Eid-al-Adha.

Examining the Quran further, one begins to understand and realize what Allah truly desires from us in the context of sacrifice. Allah says:

“Neither their meat nor blood reaches Allah. Rather, it is your piety that reaches Him. This is how He has subjected them to you so that you may proclaim the greatness of Allah for what He has guided you to and give good news to the good doers.” (Quran 22:37)

The above verse clearly states that what Allah considers is one’s righteousness, which is the way one practices and conducts one’s life.

Therefore, in all that one undertakes, it is essential to stay God-conscious (Taqwa) by remembering Allah in all walks of life. The Holy Quran says:

“O mankind, We have created you male and female, and We have made you into tribes and nations in order that you might come to know one another. Truly, in the sight of God, the most honoured amongst you is the most pious amongst you.” (Quran 49:13).

Our beloved Prophet and his hereditary successors, the Imams from Hazrat Ali to Mawlana Shah Karim al-Hussaini Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, have always guided us to stay firm on Sirat-al-Mustaqim (the straight path).

They have provided us with invaluable guidance, urging us to practice Taqwa and seek spiritual advancement. This guidance, a beacon of light in the darkness, emphasizes the importance of developing an inner sense of God-consciousness, which is crucial for maintaining a righteous, honourable, respectful and fulfilling life.

In his sermon on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, 336 AH (June 21, 948 AC) at al-Mahdiyya in North Africa, the Fatimid Imam/Caliph Mawlana Mansur said:

“Pray to God most sincerely and implore Him wishfully, approaching with what He commands you to do or restrained you from.” (Walker, 2009)

Similarly, his successor, Imam Mu’izz, in his khutba (sermon) on Eid al-Adha, 341 AH (April 28, 953 AC), at al-Manṣuriyya, said:

“O people, God created you not in jest, (Quran — 23:115), nor will He overlook you without purpose. He does not impose on you a hardship in religion (Quran — 22:78), and yet He does not disregard being remembered, but rather He created you for worship, obeying Him, and He ordered you to obey His messenger. For obedience, He made fixed signs and written decrees. So draw near to God through what He commanded you to do. It is through piety that deeds are accepted and hopes are realized. Praise God for His having guided you (Quran — 22:37); thank Him for what He has given you.” (Walker, 2009)

Article continues below

These thoughtful words underline Islam’s fundamental principle, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the guidance of His messenger. Through sincere devotion and adherence to these teachings, one can attain spiritual elevation and happiness and realize the true purpose of one’s existence.

The connection between spirituality and moral consciousness is not just a personal journey, but a central theme in Islamic thought that unites us all. According to Islamic teachings, human beings are inherently endowed with a deep sense of God-consciousness, which forms the foundation of our shared moral and social responsibilities. This intrinsic awareness of right and wrong guides us in our personal lives and interactions with others, fostering a sense of community and mutual responsibility.

In a hadith (tradition), the Prophet Muhammad is reported to have said:

“Submission is public, and faith is in the heart.” Then, he pointed to his breast three times, repeating: “Fear of God (Taqwa) is here, fear of God is here.”

This profound statement highlights the intimate and internal nature of true faith. While outward acts of submission, such as rituals and observances, are visible to the public, the essence of faith lies deep within the heart, manifesting as a profound consciousness of God (Taqwa). This inner awareness shapes a person’s moral compass, guiding them toward righteousness and away from wrongdoing. This intrinsic God-consciousness forms the bedrock of ethical and social responsibilities, encouraging individuals to act with integrity, compassion, and justice in all aspects of life.

What does God’s consciousness and piety entail?

As M. Ali Lakhani eloquently articulates:

“Human beings are, according to Islam, endowed with a sense of God-consciousness (Taqwa)… In Islamic thought, the soul’s capacity for spiritual awareness is also implicit in its possession of a moral conscience, an innate sense of right and wrong (Quran 91:7-10). Both spiritual awareness and moral conscience are seen as attributes of the soul’s primordial nature. God consciousness is the foundation of moral consciousness, of which one aspect is social consciousness with its corresponding social responsibilities — of service, generosity, equity, cooperation — which are all part of the fiduciary obligations of human life.” (Lakhani, 2018)

In conclusion, we draw an excerpt from a speech made by Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, at the American University of Cairo upon receiving an honorary degree:

“…I think of the words of Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first hereditary Imam of the Shia Muslims and the last of the four rightly guided Caliphs after the passing away of the Prophet (may peace be upon Him). In his teachings, Hazrat Ali emphasized that ‘No honour is like knowledge.’ And then he added that ‘No belief is like modesty and patience, no attainment is like humility, no power is like forbearance, and no support is more reliable than consultation’.

“Notice that the virtues endorsed by Hazrat Ali are qualities which subordinate the self and emphasize others – modesty, patience, humility, forbearance and consultation.” (Commencement address of His Highness the Aga Khan at the American University in Cairo, Egypt, 2006)

Through sincere devotion and adherence to these teachings mentioned by Mawlana Hazar Imam, one can attain spiritual enlightenment and realize the true purpose of one’s existence. Acts of piety and devotion to God, will act as protecting shields in our daily life and bring us closer to God.

This Eid — and throughout our lives — let us try to become more selfless and more God-conscious, performing meritorious deeds to please the Almighty and ultimately achieving the level of purity that will bring us closer to Allah. These deeds will also bring honour and respect to our lives.

Date posted: June 15, 2024.

Featured image at top of post: First Day Cover issued by Canada Post on March 27, 2024. 

______________________

Shan-E-Ali Wazir Ali is a passionate Religious Education Centre Teacher and Educator from Karachi, Pakistan. He specializes in Ismaili literature, including devotional works, magazines, periodicals, articles, and books. He incorporates heritage materials into his REC Secondary Classes, fostering insightful discussions. He actively follows the work of Ismaili and AKDN institutions to stay current with their activities and the work of the Ismaili Imamat.