So That You Might Glorify God…

In the Name of God, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful

Today is the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, Eid-ul-Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice. Today, pilgrims move from the plain of Muzdalifah - born anew after having their sins wiped clean at Arafat - to the largest of the three stone pillars that represent the Devil. There, they will throw seven small stones - gathered at Muzdalifah - at this pillar, just as My Master Abraham (pbuh) did when Satan came to dissuade him from sacrificing his son. After stoning the pillar, pilgrims shave their heads, sacrifice an animal (just like My Master Abraham (pbuh) did), and then head back to the Ka’ba to make seven more circumambulations and to run seven times between Safa and Marwa.
This day was the most exhausting day of the Hajj for me. Stoning the large pillar was amazing, though physically very difficult. In addition, making the circumambulations around the Ka’ba was tough because EVERYBODY was there doing the same thing. Yet, it was well worth it. It was an awesome experience, and I would never discourage anyone from going and sharing in the spectacular experience that is the Hajj.

For those Muslims not on the Hajj, the day of Eid is a day of celebration and commemoration. We commemorate how our Master Abraham (pbuh) was willing to sacrifice his own son, his only son, for the sake of God. We celebrate the joyous occasion of the Hajj, when Muslims from all walks of life come together as brother and sister to worship God as one single human being. We sacrifice an animal, just like Our Master Abraham (pbuh) did centuries before, and share the joy of the Eid with those who are less fortunate. We spend the next three days glorifying God after each ritual prayer, and at the same time, the pilgrims are spending their days stoning all three stone pillars and worshipping and praising Him in their tents in Mina.

The Eid is an occasion that we glorify God for all that He has given us. In fact, God told us why we sacrifice an animal on the Eid: “[But bear in mind:] never does their flesh reach God, and neither their blood: it is only your God-consciousness that reaches Him. It is to this end that We have made them subservient to your needs, so that you might glorify God for all the guidance with which He has graced you. And give thou this glad tiding unto the doers of good” (22:37)

“So that you might Glorify God for all the guidance with which He has graced you…”

And He deserves infinite praise and glory. For without God’s Grace, we are abased; without God’s Mercy, we are doomed; without God’s Love, we are empty; without God’s guidance, we are lost. He has given us so much, while we have done nothing for Him. Thus, it is only right and proper that we glorify His Most Holy Name for His immense Grace, Love, Mercy, Guidance, and Blessings.

May this Eid day be a most blessed one for each and every one of you and your families. In Your Most Holy Name I ask this O Lord. Amen.