Zilhajj - Importance and Wisdom of Sacrifice – Blog Nikah Halal

By Mariam Adrish
July 31, 2015

Zilhajj is the last holy month in which aggressiveness was prohibited. It is called the month of “Hajj” which means Pilgrimage. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. In the month of Zilhajj, the first ten days have the greatest honorable days. Most important HAJJ is performed during these days. In the Quran it is stated

“By the dawn; by the ten nights (i.e. the first ten days of Zilhajj Islamic month), and by the even and the odd (of all the creations of Allah) and by night when it departs. There is indeed in them (the above oaths) sufficient proofs for men of understanding (and that they should avoid all kinds of sins and disbelief).”

Importance of Sacrifice:

It is considered as Obligatory Sunnah (Sunnat-e-Wjiba), as it is not made compulsory by Allah to Muslims. Will of Allah is gained with this act. Sacrifice has been directed to the people since the time of Prophet Adam (AS) to Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Allah stated this in Quran:

“And he (Ibrahim (RA)) said (after his rescue from the fire): Verily, I am going to my Lord. He will guide me! My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous.” [Sura Sufa].

Hazrat Ibrahim (RA) was a great patient and courageous man. When his son reach to that age that he is able to walk with his father than Hazrat Ibrahim (RA) said to his son

“O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offer you in sacrifice to Allah), so look what you think!” He said: “O my father! Do that which you are commanded, InshaAllah (if Allah will), you shall find me amongst the patient ones.”

Then Hazrat Ibrahim and his son, both submitted themselves to Allah. Allah says in Quran:

“O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the dream” Verily! Thus do we reward the Mosineen. Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial and we ransomed him with a great sacrifice and we left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times.”

Hazrat Ibrahim (RA) sacrificed his most beloved son only for the sake of Allah after seeing the dream.

Wisdom of Sacrifice:

Completely submit yourself to Allah is known as Sacrifice. Hazrat Ibrahim (RA) dutifulness, faithfulness and sacrifice surely produced the wish of Allah and Hazrat Ibrahim (RA) called as “Muhsin and Khalil Allah” which means “Companion of Allah” and all of his sacrifices and his name is evoked till this day.

In each namaz, Muslims send their blessings on Ibrahim (RA) along with Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Allah expects the similar obedience and sacrifice from all of His slaves. There should be no defenses In front of the order of Allah. In memory of the great sacrifice of Ibrahim (as), Muslims across the world make a pledge that Oh Lord of the Worlds; we are your obedient slaves.

Everything we have belongs to you. If you order us, we will sacrifice our lives for the sake of Islam. Thus sunnat of Sacrifice performed every year is actually love of salve for his Creator. Qurbani means nearness. Sacrifice is thus a form of worship through which love and nearness of Allah can be attained. Allah says in Quran:

“Say (O Prophet Muhammad SAW) Indeed my prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death are all for the sake of Allah.” [Surah Anam 162].

True Feelings for Sacrifice:

While sacrificing, if this state of love and complete obedience to Allah are not there, then just shedding the blood of animals and distributing meat are just the activities without any spirit. Allah does not need blood of animals nor meat from animals, but only Taqwa, obedience and the feelings of self-sacrifice for their Lord. Allah says in Quran:

“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him” [Surah Hajj].

Thus the real essence of sacrifice is that a man should leave his bad habits, stop following his wishes and desires and stop following traditions. Man should leave and sacrifice all those things in this world which stop him from achieving nearness to Allah.