Eid-ul-Adha
The Eid Khutba begins with the following declaration of faith:
Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, there is no Lord except Allah and all praise and thanks to Allah.
Islam has two major holidays or celebrations. Eid-ul-Fitr which comes after the month of fasting and Eid-Al-Adha.
The word Eid itself is an Arabic word, which is derived from the root word which means ‘that which comes back, time after time, and rejoicing’.
It’s particular usage in Islam therefore, for the two major holidays, is because these days are meant to be days of rejoicing.
Eid al-Adha is meant to be recognition of the material and spiritual favours of Allah SWT to his creation, manifested by the ritual slaughtering necessary for all able Muslims to perform, following the way of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).
In fact, this is mentioned in the Quran in Sura Al-Imran, ayat 67-68 in which Allah SWT states:
Abraham was neither a jew nor a Christian, but he was one inclining toward truth, a Muslim [submitting to Allah]. And he was not of the polytheists. Indeed, the most worthy of Abraham among the people are those who followed him [in submission to Allah] and this prophet, and those who believe [in his message]. And Allah is the ally of the believers.
Dear brothers and sisters, from this we can deduce that the Muslim nation is followers of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).
The lessons of the way of the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), where in utter submission to Allah’s Divine Command, he was about to slaughter his very own son, until the last moment Allah sent an animal to be slaughtered instead, are many.
So, on this day of celebration, what lessons can we get from Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and the story of the animal slaughter?
When Prophet Ibrahim was commanded to sacrifice his son, it was a test of his faith. As believers we face many temptations and tests in this materialistic world. We must be ready and prepared for them.
When Prophet Ibrahim took his son to the sacrificial alter to sacrifice him he showed us the strength of his faith and belief in his Creator.
And lastly, the fact that Allah SWT replaced the young son with a ram teaches us that Allah SWT, above all else, is merciful and Allah SWT always rewards the patience and faith of the sincere believer.
Dear brothers and sisters, the human’s purpose in life is worship Allah SWT. It’s as simple as that. And this may sometimes present a test, but it is faith and faith alone that will see the true worshipper through life’s challenges.
On this day we commemorate the action of Prophet Ibrahim, by slaughtering a ram on the day of Eid.
The purpose of this sacrifice is not fulfilled by shedding the blood of the animal; it is really fulfilled when people submit themselves completely to the will and command of Allah SWT.
And on the specifics on the slaughter, one should slaughter either a sheep, cow, goat, buffalo or camel in the name of Allah. However, it is important to note that the meat is divided into three equal parts, one for the poor, one for the friends and one for you and your family
Dear brothers and sisters that concludes the khutba for Eid-al-Adha. Remember as you leave to return to your homes that one of the Sunna acts of this day is to return via a different route so as to spread the greetings of Salaam to different people upon your return. This counts for us as well here as it’s a form of dawah or invitation to the locals in our community.
On behalf of Masjid Salahadeen, I wish you all a joyous Eid.
As-salaamu’alaykum.
