Eid-ul-Azha: The spirit of sacrifice

Holy Eid-ul-Azha will be celebrated in the country tomorrow (Monday) with due religious fervor and gaiety. The predominantly Muslim population would remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of Prophet Ibrahim (SM) and as part of the observance of the holy occasion will slaughter thousands of sacrificial animals. The slaughter of sacrificial animals carries the religious sanction in line with the example set by Prophet Ibrahim whose allegiance and loyalty to the Almighty Allah was total and unalloyed. He was commanded by Allah to slay his only son. In compliance with Allah's will, when the Prophet prepared to perform the actual act of sacrifice, he was told by the Divine force that the sacrifice had already been fulfilled. The core essence of holy Eid-ul-Azha is sacrifice. Muslims all over the world on this occasion get imbibed with the spirit of selflessness and sacrifice to a greater cause. And that spirit is well reflected in the practice of distribution of the meat of sacrificial animals -- one-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to relatives, neighbours and friends and one-third is distributed among the poor. However, a small section of people, unfortunately, forgetting the real spirit of this holy occasion, tend to demonstrate their wealth and engage themselves in a competition while purchasing the sacrificial animals. Islam as a religion is not opposed to gaining wealth and comfort in the worldly life but it sets certain ethical and religious guidelines that do not allow vulgar display of one's wealth acquired even in fair ways. In fact, the main message the second-most important religious festival of Muslims -- Eid-ul-Fitr being the most important one -- carries is that people need to strengthen their mental resolve to discard bad instincts and make sacrifices for a good cause not only once in a year but throughout the year. All concerned are required to sacrifice their egos and lust for wealth and power and uphold the spirit of serving humanity, particularly those who are in distress, financial or otherwise. There is no denying that people, irrespective of their religious beliefs, being more self-centered these days do not care much about the plights of fellow human beings. The spirit of Eid-ul-Azha teaches people to be self-righteous, firm and caring for others, particularly who are poor and helpless. If the people of Bangladesh could read the inner meaning of the festival and try to emulate the same in the real life, both at individual and collective levels, they could help the country make a big stride towards achieving the much-desired social and economic development goals and share the fruits in a fair and equitable manner. The spirit of sacrifice, if displayed by the relatively affluent families, may not be able to change the life of the poor dramatically, but at least, it would help the latter to lead a life free from pangs of hunger and deprivation. Islam is a religion where the Almighty has kept enough means and provisions so that the affluent section of a society can come in aid of the people who have less. But the world until now could not be a better place to live in because not many people have followed those means and provisions. Sooner they do it the better.