In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. O Allah! I seek refuge in You from knowingly associating partners with You in any way, and I seek Your forgiveness for that which I do not know.
Ameen.
Sacrifice for Allah s.w.t.
Allah s.w.t. has bestowed an infinite number of blessings on mankind. Descendants, wealth, physical health, rank are all part of the blessings of Allah
s.w.t. Remember that everything that is given is a test for people in their lives.
Allah s.w.t. mentioned in surah Al-Anfal, verse 28, which means,
"And know that your wealth and your children are a fitnah (test) and indeed Allah s.w.t. has a great
reward.”
In all circumstances, Muslims are indeed required to sacrifice anything for the sake of Islam. Sacrifice is a process of getting closer to Allah s.w.t. and bridging the gap between communities. 'Eidul Adha is one of the example that teaches us to sacrifice all the pleasures of life, be it property, time, energy, or
even soul. Besides that, Muslims who Perform Hajj sacrifice their wealth, leave their homeland and loved one, while facing the challenges and hardships yet fruitful journey.
Sincerity In Sacrifice
'Eidul Adha also brings us back to the story of the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim a.s. and his beloved son Prophet Ismail a.s., in upholding the command of Allah s.w.t. The ability of Prophet Ibrahim a.s. to slaughter Prophet Ismail a.s., at his old age, is a proof of his obedience towards Allah s.w.t's command.
Therefore, the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail is a great sacrifice. A significance example of sacrifice. Islam advocates its people to slaughter livestock during 'Eidul Adha and Days of Tasyrik . Sacrificial worship is a symbol of our obedience to Allah s.w.t. more than love for the our property. Slaughtering sacrificial animals and distributing the meat is a commendable practice, even more important is the value of
piety behind the sacrifice.
Allah s.w.t. said in surah Al-Haj, verse 37, which means,
"The flesh and blood of sacrificial animals or gifts will never reach Allah, but what reaches Him is your sincere deeds based on piety from you. That's how he makes the
animals easier for you so that you glorify God for receiving the blessing of His guidance. And give glad tidings (with the best reward) to those who strive for good deeds."
Why is Allah s.w.t. MAY not taking into account our visible (Zahir) practices?
None other than because to some their zahir may have different intention, and does not reflecting our heart. Unlike, Performing Hajj and sacrifices that can bring us closer to Allah s.w.t., and creates sincerity and honesty in our intention. Practices starts from the heart, and hence, pure intention will continue and become a norms in our culture.
Wallahu'alam.
