Eid al-Adha is often described as a festival of meat, clothes, and cheerful greetings but at its heart, it is so much deeper than celebration. It is a day that commemorates one of the most powerful stories of submission to Allah in human history, the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his unwavering obedience.
This Eid is not just a party, it is a reminder. A reminder of what it means to love Allah more than the world, to submit even when it’s difficult, and to celebrate devotion over desire.
The foundation of Eid al-Adha comes from the incredible test faced by Prophet Ibrahim (AS), when he saw in a dream that he was sacrificing his beloved son, Isma’il (AS). Being a Prophet, he knew this was not just any dream it was divine command.
فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ السَّعْيَ قَالَ يَا بُنَيَّ إِنِّي أَرَىٰ فِي الْمَنَامِ أَنِّي أَذْبَحُكَ فَانظُرْ مَاذَا تَرَىٰ ۚ قَالَ يَا أَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ ۖ سَتَجِدُنِي إِن شَاءَ اللَّهُ مِنَ الصَّابِرِينَ
“Then when [the boy] reached [the age of] working with him, [Ibrahim] said: ‘O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so what do you think?’ He said: ‘O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.’” (Surah As-Saffat 37:102)
Imagine the heart of a father who waited years to have a child now being asked to give him up for the sake of Allah. And imagine the son, brave and obedient, ready to submit alongside his father.
This is what Eid al-Adha honors not the act of sacrifice itself, but the depth of submission and love for Allah.
Allah did not allow the sacrifice to happen. Instead, He sent a ram from Paradise as a substitute:
وَفَدَيْنَاهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيمٍ
“And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.” (Surah As-Saffat 37:107)
This shows that Allah is not looking for blood. He is looking for hearts that are willing. Willing to let go of what they love, for the sake of the One who created love itself.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ kept this tradition alive and encouraged Muslims to do the same. On Eid al-Adha, those who can afford to should offer an animal in sacrifice following the way of Ibrahim (AS).
أَقَامَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ بِالْمَدِينَةِ عَشْرَ سِنِينَ يُضَحِّي
“The Prophet ﷺ stayed in Madinah for ten years offering sacrifice [every year].” (Ahmad, Tirmidhi)
The act of slaughtering is not just ritual, it is symbolic. We are asked to let go of arrogance, ego, attachments, and sins… just as Ibrahim (AS) was asked to let go of his beloved son.
So celebrate this Eid not just with food and laughter but with a heart full of obedience, gratitude, and humility.
Because true joy lies in submission to the One who knows what's best for us.