June 2024 : Thul Hijjah 1445
There are standards for everything in this world which define what is acceptable and what is not. The highest standards serve as benchmarks to be measured against. The ultimate standard for Muslims is the Noble Qur’aan, and the benchmark for success is the exemplary life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as stated in Chapter 33; Verse 21: “There is indeed a good example for you in the Messenger of Allah – for the one who has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah profusely.”
This declaration by Allah Almighty affirms the Prophet (peace be upon him) as the best of examples in all aspects of life. Emulating him has been emphasised to the degree that it is a matter of completion of one’s faith. Muslims strive to make the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) their role model by emulating him, not just by obeying the Islamic laws, but also by striving to inculcate his virtues. There is not a single commandment of Allah Almighty which the Prophet (peace be upon him) would not have immediately practiced upon.
And the Perfect Exemplar is asked by Allah Almighty to convey the absolute certitude of the excellence of the way of the Prophet Ibraheem (peace be upon him) and the Sacrifice in the Qur’aan, in Chapter 6; Verses161 and 162 wherein it is stated: “ (Muhammad), tell them, “My Lord has guided me to the right path, a well-established religion and the upright tradition of Abraham ……” and “Say, Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.”
As 2 billion Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Adha next week featuring the ritual of animal sacrifice in commemoration of the Great Sacrifice, the essence of Qurbani is indeed far deeper and transcends the sacrificial animal and the knife. Embrace all that secures the Pleasure of Allah Almighty, and shun all that which invites His displeasure and wrath – the success of the Ummah lies in this simple formula.
Attaining the Pleasure of Allah Almighty necessitates embracing submission and sacrifice, especially in the fundamental requirement of consumption. A strictly Halaal diet is a Divine injunction that contributes towards a life enriched with goodness and physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
SANHA on this joyous occasion of Eid al-Adha takes this opportunity to wish the Muslim Ummah at large Eid Mubarak. May Allah Almighty accept our sacrifices and make it a means of abundant goodness and prosperity in our lives in the years that follow, Aameen.
