Asalamualaikum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh.

Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, wa lillaah-hil Hamd

We are so blessed to be sitting in this wonderful park, able to celebrate without fear and anxiety. We do not have to worry about rockets flying our way. We must be grateful. As Allah (SWT) says in the Quran, “And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'” (Surah Ibrahim, 14:7).

When we are grateful for the bounties of Allah (SWT), Allah will give us more, Insha’Allah. As Allah (SWT) says, “Why should Allah punish you if you have thanked (Him) and have believed in Him. And Allah is Ever All-Appreciative (of good), All-Knowing.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:147).

Allah appreciates those who are grateful. Rasool (SAW) said, “He who does not thank the people is not thankful to Allah.” (Hadith, Sunan Abu Dawood).

This is a day in which we remember Ibrahim (AS) and his family. It is a sacrifice that he did not just make but was willing to make. Allah calls Ibrahim (AS) obedient. As Allah states, “Verily, Ibrahim was obedient.” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:120).

Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, wa lillaah-hil Hamd

Points of Reflection

The Importance of Sacrifice in Islam

The willingness of Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) is a profound example of obedience and submission to Allah (SWT). This act of sacrifice teaches us the importance of putting Allah’s commands above our own desires and comforts.

Incorporating the Spirit of Sacrifice in Our Daily Lives

We can integrate the spirit of sacrifice into our everyday lives by embracing four key principles:

1. Being Generous: Rasool (SAW) said, “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity” (Hadith, Al-Tirmidhi). This generosity should extend to loving and caring for those closest to us, nurturing our children, and showing affection and support to our spouses.
2. Helping Those in Need: Rasool (SAW) said, “The one who relieves a hardship of this world for a believer, Allah will relieve a hardship of the Day of Resurrection for him” (Hadith, Sahih Muslim). This principle encourages us to offer a helping hand and provide advice and support to friends and family during their times of need.
3. Making Personal Sacrifices: Rasool (SAW) said, “Whoever gives up something for the sake of Allah, Allah will replace it with something better” (Hadith, Musnad Ahmad). This involves doing the right thing despite the challenges we may face. Challenges are universal; every individual will encounter issues related to finances, relationships, politics, and more. As Muslims, we have a divine system to guide us through these difficulties.
4. Working for the Greater Good of Our Communities and the Ummah: Rasool (SAW) said, “The best of people are those that bring most benefit to the rest of humankind” (Hadith). This means contributing positively to our communities, striving for social justice, and working for the betterment of society as a whole.

By embodying these principles, we can truly live the spirit of sacrifice that Ibrahim (AS) exemplified and create a more compassionate, supportive, and united community.

To accomplish this, we need to cultivate:

• Selflessness: Rasool (SAW) said, “None of you will believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself” (Hadith, Sahih Bukhari). This principle encourages us to think beyond our own needs and desires, prioritizing the well-being of others.
• Patience: The Quran says, “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:153). Patience is a crucial virtue that allows us to endure hardships and remain steadfast in our faith.
• Unwavering Faith: Rasool (SAW): “Whoever remains patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience” (Hadith, Sahih Bukhari). Maintaining strong faith and trust in Allah’s plan is essential for navigating life’s challenges.

By integrating these principles into our daily lives, we can foster a sense of sacrifice, compassion, and unity within our communities, reflecting the profound legacy of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, wa lillaah-hil Hamd

Unity and Community in Celebration

• Eid al-Adha is not only a time for personal reflection but also a time for communal gathering and unity. It is an opportunity for Muslims around the world to come together, regardless of their backgrounds, to celebrate their faith and shared beliefs.
• Example from Ibrahim (AS): Ibrahim (AS) exemplified unity and community by building the Kaaba with his son Ismail (AS), which has since become a focal point of Muslim unity and worship.
• Quran: Allah (SWT) says, “And when Ibrahim and Ismail were raising the foundations of the House, [they prayed], ‘Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.'” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:127).
• Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized community and unity in his farewell sermon, urging Muslims to regard each other’s lives and properties as sacred.
• By fostering a sense of community and supporting one another, we can strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood in Islam. Let us use this day to reach out to those who may be lonely or in need and include them in our celebrations. Organize communal prayers, share meals with neighbors, and visit the sick and elderly.

Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, wa lillaah-hil Hamd

Lessons from the Life of Ibrahim (AS)

• Ibrahim (AS) is a central figure in Islam, known for his unwavering faith and dedication to Allah. His life is filled with lessons of patience, trust in Allah, and steadfastness in the face of trials.
• Reflecting on the life of Ibrahim (AS), we can learn to trust in Allah’s plan, remain patient during difficult times, and stay committed to our faith. Let us strive to embody these qualities in our own lives, drawing inspiration from his example. When faced with challenges, recall Ibrahim’s (AS) patience and trust in Allah, and maintain your faith and perseverance.

As we celebrate this blessed day, let us remember the significance of gratitude, sacrifice, and community. May Allah (SWT) accept our efforts and grant us the strength to follow in the footsteps of Ibrahim (AS) and all the prophets. Ameen.

Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, wa lillaah-hil Hamd