Today marks my favorite Muslim holiday. As a child, like all other kids my age at the time, I looked forward to it for one primary reason: getting gifts (usually in the form of cash) from every single relative visited. It would turn into a competition to see which cousin would raise the most money. As a grown up though, I came to embrace the wonderful meaning and story behind the holiday, and it is that story that makes it my favorite holiday today.
Eid Al Adha is literally translated into “The Festival of the Sacrifice.” It is a four day holiday that marks the end of the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). The festival directly commemorates a historical event that actually involves the Prophet Abraham. In this story, God tested Abraham’s faith by ordering him to sacrifice his only son, Ishmael. As Abraham laid down his son and held a knife to his throat, God sent an angel from the sky with a ram that Ishmael under the knife. Abraham proved his faith and his willingness to sacrifice anything for God.
This marks yet another holiday I will be away from my family in Jordan, where my uncle would usually share the story behind Eid with all of the kids in the family. This year though, I took over for my uncle here in the US, and when I shared this story with my friends, I learned more about the holiday than I ever knew, and was truly touched by what I heard.
One of the many things I am thankful for here in the US is the ability to live in a place where diversity is widespread. Through the friends I’ve made here, I learned that Eid Al Adha is yet another example of the shared origins Islam has with Christianity and Judaism. The story and message celebrated throughout this Eid is one recognized by all three. Even though in the versions accepted by Christianity and Judaism it is Isaac who was almost sacrificed by Abraham, it is heartwarming to be reminded that all three religions in the end celebrate 2 major commonalities: the existence of one merciful God, and the ultimate prevention of sacrificing human life.
In all three religions, nothing is more sacred than human life. Many things are worth sacrificing for a good cause, but human life should never be one of them. I hope this is especially something that the cease-fire in Syria can achieve and remind the government and rebel fighters of.
I believe Rumi (who I am now obsessed with by the way) said it best. And I will leave you with his words:
“I am neither Christian, nor Jewish, nor Muslim. Doing away with duality, I saw the two worlds as one. I seek One, I know One, I see One, and I call One.”
Eid Mubarak to all my readers and followers. May this year bring us all joy, prosperity, and peace.
Woman Unveiled إِمْرَأَةْ تَنْكَشِفْ 