The Sacrifice

Today I will like to delve into another Islamic tradition which quite a number of people are familiar with. It’s the recently celebrated Muslim festival of eid-ul-adha. The celebration of animal sacrifice is an event in Islamic history that commemorates Prophet Ibrahim or Abrahams utter submission to the Divine Command of Allah until at the last moment Allah sent an animal to be slaughtered instead. According to Islamic literature. This is a manifestation of his devotion to the Almighty. His spirit of unwavering submission to Allah is epitomized every year as Muslims indulge in a similar sacrifice.

It is celebrated as a feast even though it has an underlying spiritual significance attached to the whole celebration.The sacrifice on this occasion is meant to be recognition of the spiritual favours God has bestowed on his creation and should use such an occasion to thank Him by making sacrifices. This occasion of sacrifice is preceded by attending a prayer.

On this day, Muslims attend the Eid prayers. The Eid prayer is a couple of units or rakah's, followed by a sermon, or khutbah, by the imam. After which sacrifices of animals are made, and the meat is distributed to family, friends and the poor.

 It’s quite similar to Friday Jumuah prayers. Only that on this occasion, it’s a celebration. One key aspect of this celebration is the Remembrance of the plight of the poor and giving in charity. There is an valuable lesson to be learned in making a sacrifice and sharing with the community that one lives.

It is heartening to observe the spirit of sharing and giving on this day.

SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

A Pilgrim

Today, My friends, I would like to talk about one of the cardinal principles of worship in Islam.The Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca is a principal cornerstone of Islam. It is a ritual which borders on the spiritual significance of a muslim's obligation to Allah. It's a journey of purification of the soul. Hundreds of thousands of Muslims, belonging to different nationalities and races and drawn from all walks of life, from all parts of the world to worship together at Islam's central mosque and world's most ancient house of worship, the Ka'bah.

The question ordinary people who do not understand why Muslims have to go on Hajj, ask? What is the motivation behind this ritual?

According to Islamic teachings and literature. The performance of Hajj is very important to every Muslim, and should be fulfilled at least once in a lifetime, only if the following conditions are met. These are the physical and economic strength to undertake the journey to Mecca and also to make sufficient provision for their families during the period of their absence.

Pilgrims performing the Spiritual Observance

Mecca is considered the holiest place on earth for Muslims. The performance of Hajj period must coincide with a specific date and time in accordance with the Islamic calendar. During the performance of Hajj. The atmosphere of equality, simplicity, and unity is created among Muslims all over the world, without gender, linguistic, social status, geographical locations, cultural, ethnic, and sectarian barriers.

The performance of Hajj is unique and has existed for the past fourteen centuries, and every Muslim cherishes the ambition of obtaining the blessings of the Hajj at least once in his or her lifetime.

Spiritual Significance

The Hajj is primarily a Muslims demonstration of devotion to Allah in ritual observance. The innermost connotation to this ritual observance should be understood in the light well-defined transcendent "idea" within which a Muslim attains the highest spiritual relations with Allah. Thus, the pilgrim demonstrates his advance from the common level of human life to a higher state of internal glory where he affirms his relation to Allah.

Pointers for reflection

It seeks to renew faith, trust, and love of Allah.
The pilgrim gets purified and comes out of his sins like a newborn baby.
It is a school of training towards consciousness of one's duties towards Allah.
It is a manifestation of brotherhood, equality and Unity.

Divine Significance Of Quranic Recitation

From my previous article, I discussed the essence of Friday prayers in islam.Now let’s move on to a very important topic, which is Quran recitation.

According to Islamic doctrine.The Holy Quran is the book of Allah and was divinely revealed to the prophet of Islam,Muhammad (PBUH), and its reading and recitation is an important aspect of the life of  everyone who subscribes to the muslim faith.The Quran is a book of guidance and it contains spiritual references about humanity. The Holy Quran is a source of guidance for all mankind and it also helps in spreading the light of knowledge throughout the world.

Reading the Holy Qur'an is not like reading an ordinary book and should not be treated like an ordinary book. Therefore, it must be presented with purity and truth. This means that every person who puts effort and recites the Holy Book with care and love will get a reward.

According to Islamic scholars.Recitation of the Holy Quran has many benefits which adds value to the one who reads it. It raises your status in life and also protects you in the hereafter. It will make you a noble person and also help you to lead a much better life.

The benefits of the Quran do not come in vain.You have to work for it.This can be achieved by doing everything that increases and strengthens the belief.The first way to achieve that is reciting the Qur’an  and reflecting upon its meanings and implementing its verses in your daily activities.Doing this leads to the knowledge of Allah. And Muslims in general believe that is the true purpose of the Qur'an.Now lets move a step further to give another aspect of the Quran.

IMPORTANCE OF THE HOLY QUR’AN

According to several Islamic literatures. Allah sent the Quran to His Prophet. Just like other Divine Books were also sent to previous prophets. These are: Suhoof ( scrolls)to Prophet Ibrahim ‘; Zabur to Prophet Dawood (David). Tawrat (Torah) to Prophet Musah (Moses) and Injil (Gospel) to Prophet ‘Isa (Jesus).

Muslims believe that the difference between the Qur’an and past revealed books is that the Qur’an is the only divine book that has remained unaltered. The Qur’an contains exactly the same message that was sent to Prophet Muhammad by Allah through Jibril(Gabriel)

According to a Hadith.The Prophet said,One who starts the Qur’an and finishes it, Allah will grant him one answered supplication.
Muslims believe the Qur'an  helps in strengthening their faith.

Now we know the Divine Significance of Quranic recitation .