Currently, we are observing the sacred period of Dhul-Hijjah. Flocks of pilgrims have assembled near the house of Allah. These days evoke intense and genuine emotions, such as love and devotion to God, self-sacrifice, submission, and a strong desire to live for him in accordance with His will.
The believer’s most valuable possession is the sincere faith and emotions associated with the blessed days of Dhul-Hijjah. I supplicate to Allah that these pure sentiments remain embedded in our hearts and minds eternally. May our characters and lives be constructed upon these blessed emotions.
Prior to Eid-ul-Adha, numerous elements such as sacrifice, and the spirit from the life of Sayyiduna Ibrahim (peace be upon him) are constantly brought to our attention. Today, I would like to shed light on another crucial aspect of Eid-ul-Azha.
Objectives of the festival of Eid:
“لَنْ یَّنَالَ اللّٰهَ لُحُوْمُهَا وَ لَا دِمَآؤُهَا وَ لٰـكِنْ یَّنَالُهُ التَّقْوٰى مِنْكُمْؕ- كَذٰلِكَ سَخَّرَهَا لَكُمْ لِتُكَبِّرُوا اللّٰهَ عَلٰى مَا هَدٰىكُمْؕ-وَ بَشِّرِ الْمُحْسِنِیْنَ”
Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good.
In Surah Al-Hajj, Allah explains the significant purpose of animal sacrifice. Allah has granted us dominion over animals and made them subservient to us. This is Allah’s favor and through sacrifice, we glorify Allah for granting this favor, express gratitude, seek forgiveness, and proclaim the greatness of Allah. The essence and philosophy of both Eid festivals, as per the Qur’an is
“التكبر الله على ما هداكم”
To praise and magnify Allah
The purpose of Eid ul Fitr is to proclaim the greatness of Allah which is takbeer. Takbeer during Eid ul Fitr is associated with this ayah:
شهر رمضان الذي انزل فيه القران
The month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed as guidance
The takbeer during Eid al-Fitr signifies gratitude for the divine guidance bestowed upon us in the form of the Qur’an.
In Eid-ul-Azha too, takbeer is the objective. But here, the purpose of takbeer is to acknowledge that Allah has subjugated the resources of the universe for our benefit and granted us control over these resources.
In this perspective, when we consider the significant Islamic celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, they symbolize the entirety of a believer’s life. Allah has bestowed upon believers two remarkable blessings: granting them control over the resources of the universe and providing them with the book of divine guidance, Al Qur’an. Both blessings necessitate Muslims to express gratitude and praise Allah. Utilize the resources bestowed by Allah in accordance with His guidance and the teachings of the Qur’an. Adhere steadfastly to the Book of Allah. Engage with controlled resources. And accomplish two tasks –
Firstly, engage in the act of glorifying and magnifying the word of Allah. Similar to continuously reciting takbeer during both Eids. Secondly, endeavor to serve and benefit Allah’s creation in accordance with His guidance. This is accomplished through Sadaqah-e-Fitr during Eid al-Fitr and by distributing sacrificial meat on Eid al-Adha.
The message conveyed by Allah regarding animals in the verse of Surah Hajj is consistent with His mentions of various resources in the universe throughout the Holy Quran. In fact, Allah has emphasised 23 times in the Quran that He has made these diverse elements subservient to humanity. Allah describes it as His reward and favour.
What does it mean to subjugate the resources for Humans?
The commentators of the Quran have given two meanings to it. The first meaning is that Allah has said in some places that:
” وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمُ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ دَائِبَيْنِ ۖ وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمُ اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ”.
And He subjected for you the sun and the moon, continuous [in orbit], and subjected for you the night and the day.
“وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمْ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الأرْضِ جَمِيعًا”
And has subjected to you all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth; it is all as a favour and kindness from Him.
This signifies that Allah has established laws of nature governing the moon, the sun, and all elements in the universe, ensuring they operate for the benefit of humans. The sun maintains a suitable temperature range, neither scorching us to death nor freezing life with extreme cold. It consistently generates heat and cold within a specific range, enabling humans to experience different seasons and fostering the birth of diverse organisms. Students of Science are aware that certain organisms beneficial to humans can thrive in extreme heat or extreme cold. These seasons play a vital role in the growth of various fruits and agricultural products. The sun continuously fluctuates within a specific temperature range. Therefore, understanding the laws of nature is crucial to utilize these resources to their fullest potential.
The second interpretation is that Allah has granted humans complete authority over certain things. “taskheer ” refers to utilizing these resources to their maximum potential for the benefit of humankind, often referred to as “harnessing natural resources”. This task necessitates knowledge, skills, and technology. Similar to how Allah has given control over animals, Allah emphasizes in the Qur’an.
“وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمُ الْفُلْكَ لِتَجْرِيَ فِي الْبَحْرِ بِأَمْرِهِ ۖ”
And subjected for you the ships to sail through the sea.
Similarly, while mentioning the boat and the riding of animals, Allah commanded:
” تَذْكُرُوا نِعْمَةَ رَبِّكُمْ إِذَا اسْتَوَيْتُمْ عَلَيْهِ وَتَقُولُوا سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ”
That you may settle yourselves upon their backs and then remember the favour of your Lord when you have settled upon them and say. “Exalted is He who has subjected this to us, and we could not have [otherwise] subdued it.
“وَهُوَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ الْبَحْرَ لِتَأْكُلُوا مِنْهُ لَحْمًا طَرِيًّا وَتَسْتَخْرِجُوا مِنْهُ حِلْيَةً تَلْبَسُونَهَا وَتَرَى الْفُلْكَ مَوَاخِرَ فِيهِ وَلِتَبْتَغُوا مِن فَضْلِهِ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ”
“And it is He who subjected the sea for you to eat from it tender meat and to extract from it the ornaments which you wear. And you see the ships ploughing through it, and [He subjected it] that you may seek His bounty; and perhaps you will be grateful.”
Thus, we observe that Allah considers taskheer, harnessing, and controlling natural resources as His grace and a sign of His favor. He instructs us to express gratitude by utilizing these blessings and making them beneficial for others. For receiving an expensive gift from a friend, throwing it in the river or keeping it unused would be disrespectful. Similarly, Allah has bestowed upon us the resources of the world as a gift, intending for us to utilize them for our own benefit and the well-being of humanity, just as we make use of sacrificial animals.
How to utilize these resources?
During Eid-ul-Adha, we are taught the etiquette of utilizing these resources. We take control of the animals intending to please Allah. Then, we invoke the name of Allah and cultivate a deep sense within ourselves that:
’’إِنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ”
Verily, my Salat (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.
And then we say:
’’اللَّهُمَّ هَذَا مِنْكَ وَلَكَ هَذَا عَنِّي”
O Allah! We present to you the wealth you have bestowed upon us.
With this proclamation, we sacrifice animals. Afterward, we divide it into three portions: one for our own use, another to distribute among others, and a third specifically allocated for the deprived and impoverished servants of Allah who lack resources and are in distress.
It is our responsibility to apply the same principle to all resources in the world. We should take responsibility for them, invoke the name of Allah upon them, and dedicate their use to the will of Allah. Utilizing these resources for the betterment of humanity, especially for the benefit of the poor and needy, will help address their problems. Let us make a sincere effort in this regard.
In the Quranic verses of Surah Hajj, the concept of sacrifice is mentioned, along with the significance of Eid al-Adha and its purpose. It appears that Eid-ul-Azha carries an important message, combining the ideas of ‘taskheer‘ i.e., harnessing natural resources, and ‘takbeer‘ i.e., proclaiming the greatness of Allah. This was practiced by our ancestors during the prosperous era of Islam. Today, we read about Muslim scientists who exemplified this combination. They glorified Allah and called people towards Him while also forming observatories, discovering diverse elements, making advancements in various fields of arts and science, and utilizing resources bestowed by Allah for the welfare and well-being of humanity.
The biggest crisis of today’s world:
The current world crisis stems from the separation of “Taskheer” (harnessing resources) and “Takbeer” (acknowledging Allah’s greatness). Those who have excelled in taskheer and controlling resources, advancing in science and technology, often disregard the importance of takbeer. As a result, the immense power bestowed by Allah has become a catalyst for mischief and havoc in the world. While Allah has granted mankind the ability to harness atomic energy for their benefit, when taskheer is disconnected from takbeer, this same atomic energy becomes a destructive force.
Even today, top engineers and scientists in major countries prioritize the defense industry. The defense sector leads in research, technological advancements, and expenditure. Unfortunately, this immense power is being utilized for destructive purposes and causing harm to humanity. Conversely, the dominant capitalist powers are employing these substantial resources to cater to the luxuries and advantages of a select few, by acquiring and harnessing the resources and human talent and skills. The pursuit of excessive luxury has dehumanized individuals. It’s resulting in an environmental crisis that jeopardizes the well-being of future generations through air and water pollution. This situation arises due to the separation of taskheer and takbeer.
Conversely, individuals who associate themselves with takbeer, being believers and invoking the name of Allah, tend to fall behind in education and technology. They seem to have forgotten the valuable lessons from history, which emphasize utilizing the resources bestowed by Allah to enhance the world and improve human life. Upon examining the Qur’an, it becomes apparent that Allah mentions natural resources while highlighting the missions of the Prophets.
“لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلَنَا بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَنزَلْنَا مَعَهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْمِيزَانَ لِيَقُومَ النَّاسُ بِالْقِسْطِ ۖ وَأَنزَلْنَا الْحَدِيدَ فِيهِ بَأْسٌ شَدِيدٌ وَمَنَافِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَلِيَعْلَمَ اللَّهُ مَن يَنصُرُهُ وَرُسُلَهُ بِالْغَيْبِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَوِيٌّ عَزِيزٌ”
We have already sent Our messengers with clear evidence and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their affairs] in justice. And We sent down iron, wherein is great military might and benefits for the people, and so that Allah may make evident those who support Him and His messengers unseen. Indeed, Allah is Powerful and Exalted in Might.
Initially, Allah highlights the missions of the Prophets and subsequently mentions the revelation of iron. Iron symbolizes technology, particularly in the realms of defense and welfare. Allah has established a connection between iron and the Prophets’ mission.
The essence of Eid ul-Adha’s message:
I particularly want to emphasize to the youth that one of the main messages of Eid-ul-Azha is to practice the combination of takbeer and taskheer which is to assert control and utilize resources for the betterment of humanity. Similar to how believers take charge of animals and sacrifice them for the sake of Allah, and sacrifice it in the name of Allah and use it for themselves, for other human beings, and for the poor and the departed servants of Allah we should take control of the resources provided by Allah. This includes pursuing education, excelling in technology, and using it to solve human problems. Just as we gain control over animals, we should also gain control over electricity, water, air, energy, electrons, protons, neutrons, genes, cells, bacteria and viruses, and various scientific elements through knowledge and skills and then utilize them in accordance with Allah’s will. Consider ways to serve and benefit mankind. While utilizing everything keep in mind the concept of:
’’اللَّهُمَّ هَذَا مِنْكَ وَلَكَ هَذَا عَنِّي”
O Allah! We present to you the wealth you have bestowed upon us.
“وَلَا تَنسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا ۖ”
And do not forget your share of the world.
We must not forget our share of the world. It is important to pursue quality higher education and unleash our greatest potential. We should take control of the resources provided by Allah and utilize them. This task is not limited to worldly matters, but also a religious duty. A sense of accountability to God makes us responsible. Utilize your knowledge and skills to gain control over scientific elements like genes, elements, chemicals, and other resources, and find solutions to human problems such as finding a cure for cancer, addressing annual floods in the North East, tackling climate change, resolving pollution issues in Delhi, and providing clean drinking water to those in need. By separating takbeer from taskheer, many minds are directed towards inventing and utilizing technologies to cater to the luxuries of a few individuals. With determination fueled by faith, we will rise up and passionately work towards finding solutions to real human problems and for the betterment of humanity.
When sacrificing the animal during Eid-ul-Azha, it is important to recognize that just as Allah has entrusted us with the animal, He has also entrusted us with the resources of the world. Just as we take responsibility for sacrificing the animal in Allah’s way, we should also take charge of utilizing the world’s resources through knowledge, intelligence, and creativity. As we invoke Allah’s name during the sacrifice, we strive for all resources to be used in service to Him. Similar to how we make animals beneficial for ourselves, other humans, and the less fortunate ones, we should utilize resources like air, water, electricity, and energy to solve the problems faced by all humanity and those in need.
As Allah says in the Quran:
“كَذَٰلِكَ سَخَّرَهَا لَكُمْ لِتُكَبِّرُواْ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ”
Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good
Those who perform such favors will receive good news, so we should try to include ourselves in the group of benefactors.
The following speech was originally given in Urdu. It has been translated into English and transcripted into an Article by Musfirah Ruman.
