From the pulpit: Muslims reflect on sacrifice

On July 31, which is this year the 10th day of the month of Hajj in the Islamic calendar, Muslims around the world will honor the Prophet Abraham’s ultimate acceptance of God’s command to sacrifice his son. This day is celebrated by 1.7 billion Muslims as Eid Al Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice.

On this day Muslims reflect on what it means to surrender totally to God’s will and to be willing to sacrifice even that which is closest to our hearts.

This day usually represents the culmination of the hajj for the three million people who normally travel for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, where they repeat the rituals established by Prophet Mohammed commemorating Prophet Abraham’s obedience to God.

On this day, the pilgrims in Mecca either sacrifice or contribute to sacrificing a sheep, honoring how God kept Abraham from sacrificing his son. Around the world, on this day, Muslim families who are able to also sacrifice a sheep, or something equivalent.

The Quran informs us in verses 34 and 37 of Chapter 22, the Pilgrimage (Al Hajj) the blood and meat are not what reaches God. What matters is the obedience of our hearts and our humility before God. In fact, the meat is not solely for personal consumption but meant to be given to others in the family and, especially, to anyone in need, now more than ever.

This year, 2020, or Muslim year 1441, the sacrifice is even more far reaching.

People around the world have sacrificed their means of earning a living, their sustenance, and most poignantly their lives, as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic.

We have been separated from our families and constrained from seeing our loved ones, even in times of mourning. We have been prevented too from seeking solace in our houses of worship. The pilgrimage itself is reduced to 1,000 people. This year, three million people have given up their dream of going on hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam. The holy shrine in Mecca, devoid of pilgrims, stands empty.

We isolate ourselves and make these sacrifices in order to keep from harming even more people, perhaps unwittingly. We wear masks not from fear but out of concern and compassion for others.

The Prophet Mohammed stated, “If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a location, do not enter it, and if you are in a place of contagion do not leave it.” His guidance is meant to minimize the spread of disease and reduce the risk of harm to others.

Sacrifice means that sometimes we do not get to do what we want. Sometimes what we desire is not what God wants. Since we are all part of God’s creation we should ideally surrender to what God wants us to do. We often don’t, choosing what’s easy for us. At times, however, we have to choose what is harder and less convenient. Choosing personal sacrifice over greed is an act of faith and devotion.

On the other hand, we have lately become all the more aware that many people, against their will, have had to sacrifice daily their life’s opportunities in employment, education, health, housing and even their lives, due to prejudice, unjust practices and unfair laws. Injustice is not a choice God wants us to take.

Now is the time to reflect on what sacrifices we must do to be more caring and understanding of each other. How can we create a more fair and just society? How can we be better servants of God’s will?

The Quran tells us in Chapter 3, Imram, verse 103, “Hold fast, all together, unto the bond with God, and do not draw apart from one another. And remember the blessings which God has bestowed upon you: how, when you were enemies, He brought your hearts together, so that through His blessing you became brethren.”

We pray for God’s mercy and guidance that we should find within ourselves the means to no longer harm each other in any way and to love and respect each other as equal representatives of God on Earth.

Martin Bentz is Outreach Coordinator for the Islamic Society of Southeastern Massachusetts, South Dartmouth.