MICROSKIRTS
Rapid weight loss Program Review
Now Easy Get Rid of Wrinkles
Rapid weight loss Program Review
Rapid weight loss Program Review
Rapid weight loss Program Review
881
viewsEid al Adha. Or, Thanksgiving Break
By Gringette in Beirut, Sunday, November 14, 2010, 1 commentsThis week in Muslim countries across the globe students and teachers, CEOs and office boys, construction workers and government employees will be on a much-awaited holiday. It is Eid al Adha, the holiday that comes approximately seventy days after the end of Ramadan – the holy month of fasting. Eiders take off from school and work and everyday life to commemorate a very special moment in Islamic history.
Guess what? It’s a moment that all of us – Christians and Jews alike – also hold very dear to our hearts and religious educational upbringing. It is the commemoration of the pure and perfect Faith of Abraham, who was prepared to offer his only son to God in a sacrifice upon command.
Here is the description in the Quran (at least in one translated version):
They said, "Build him a furnace, and throw him into the blazing fire!" They sought a stratagem against him, but We made them the ones most humiliated! And he said: Lo! I am going unto my Lord Who will guide me. "O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!" So We gave him the good news of a boy, possessing forbearance. And when (his son) was old enough to walk and work with him, (Abraham) said: O my dear son, I see in vision that I offer you in sacrifice: Now see what is your view!" (The son) said: "O my father! Do what you are commanded; if Allah wills, you will find me one practising patience and steadfastness!" So when they both submitted and he threw him down upon his forehead, We called out to him saying: O Ibraheem! You have indeed fulfilled the vision; surely thus do We reward those who do good. Most surely this was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice. And We perpetuated (praise) to him among the later generations. "Peace and salutation to Abraham!" Thus indeed do We reward those who do right. Surely he was one of Our believing servants. (As-Saafaat 37:97-111)
Not only do Muslims dedicate a whole holiday to this day, but they also focus more on the son’s conscious decision to participate in this test of obedience. I remember learning the story in Sunday School, but I’m pretty sure that Abraham was the one who got all the praise and credit. In fact, I am certain that my image of things at the time was just that the son – and it is debated about whether the son was Isaac or Ishmael – was either an infant at the time or completely oblivious to his father’s plan to sacrifice him. Either way, the Christian version doesn’t give Ismael/Isaac the choice about whether or not to participate in his critical role in the religious history of 90% of the world.
So back to Eid al Adha. It is a festival remembering sacrifice, and commemorating the purity of Abraham’s faith. Muslim families pray regularly and in groups, they visit families and loved ones, and they perform their own sacrifices – either literally with livestock from their homes or by way of purchasing products from the butcher—to devide three ways between friends, family, and the neediest of the population. The three official days of the holiday are celebrated in these ways and with elaborate and much-anticipated feasts of all the delicious foods of the culture.
Whether or not you think its kosher for anyone’s God to ask them to sacrifice a child, it is still pretty freaking cool that Muslims not only celebrate this all-important event but that they do it around the same time and in a very similar style to our dearly beloved American Thanksgiving. I couldn’t help, in all the free time that I have off from work this week, but share that with anyone who is willing to listen.
Happy Holidays everyone!
Bookmark/Search this post with:
1 Comments
GRINGETTE, I always enioy
GRINGETTE,
I always enioy your perspective, and always learn something from your writing. Here in the deep south Bible Belt, I was oblivious to this holiday. I didn't know there was one that revolved around that Bible story that I remember, and yes, I do think it is cool that the son had a choice, and that is what is celebrated. Be safe, and happy hoildays.
As an aside, I work in a company started/ owned by Lebanese immigrants(Christians). I have much respect from them, and have enjoyed learning to cook many of their foods. Over the winter, I plan to have a family game night, with my family, and plan to share the Lebanese food and culture that I have learned through my employer.
Participate More