In this universe there are 18000 species of God's creation. Among them, men are the best, dearest and nearest to God. Men have their unique and extraordinary position among all the creations. They are considered rational beings. The identity of mankind is judged by humanity dignity, justice, sense of love, respect, emotions, feelings and sacrifice. Earth is the only place where men live. The whole earth is controlled by mankind. In this earth, there are many people of different nations, races, tribes, religions and castes.
In every religion the principle of sacrifice is narrated and depicted in such a way that will clarify and purify peoples' soul. So, for the sake of religion, every person in this world tries to help and sacrifice for others. Because to help and sacrifice are the noble virtues.
Among all virtues, sacrifice is what brings contemplation of one's soul. There are different types of sacrifice, such as sacrifice of life, sacrifice of money, sacrifice of properties and so on. A man who sacrifices his life for a country is known as a patriot. Again one who shares or gives away things that belong to him may be treated as a benevolent and kind hearted person.
The Eid-ul-Azha is the second largest festival of the Muslim community. It is celebrated all over the world with the spirit of sacrifice. Generally sacrifice means to give away one's valuable things for others but the real sacrifice means to surrender one's own interest. A man who is helpless and who has the capacity to control himself and finally who can refrain himself from lust, only enjoys the happiness of true sacrifice.
By true sacrifice an individual is honoured in society. Religion is also flourished by sacrifice. In this world there is no end of greed and wants. The more the greed, the more the craving for more. Greed leads humans to ruin. Society gets polluted and plunge into anarchy. By sacrifice, human beings attain other qualities like tolerance in society. Sacrifice and tolerance both coexist. Without one, the other cannot flourish. Eid-ul-Azha is the big day where all Muslims have the lesson of sacrifice and tolerance. All Muslims need to be prepared for the sacrifice of Eid-ul-Azha.
The other name of sacrifice is `Qurbani'. The word 'qurbani' originates from Arabic word qurbanon which denotes meeting and reaching the Almighty. Qurbani is compulsory for all solvent Muslims. Actually, the culture of 'qurbani' starts from the period of Hazrat Adam (Peace be upon him or, pbh). To settle quarrels between habil and kabil on marriage issue, they were directed to slaughter animals in the name of God. God granted the heartfelt qurbani of Habil. On the other hand, kabil's qurbani was rejected, as it lacked good wishes.
Again Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim's (pbh) qurbani is another example of great sacrifice, where we see the unconditional surrender to the Almighty. God, being pleased, directed the prophet to slaughter animal. So, qurbani may not be termed as a practice, rather it is the direction of the Almighty. From the time of Prophet Ibrahim (pbh), this Eid-ul-Azha has been made obligatory.
Eid-ul-Azha is a memorable day. All Muslims celebrate the day with the spirit of love, fellow feeling, brotherhood, fraternity and sacrifice. With this spirit in their hearts, Muslims would be able to establish humanity and restore peace and tranquility and resist evils.
Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed is a Deputy Director General & Commandant (PRL), Ansar-VDP Academy, Safipur, Gazipur.
forqan.info@gmail.com
