Malfuzat – Volume II — Page 206
206 Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad The Essence of Sacrifice These physical sacrifices are not the essence, they are merely the shell; they are not the spirit, they are merely the body. In this era of ease and comfort, Eid is cel- ebrated happily with joy. People believe that the ultimate purpose of this celebra- tion is nothing but enjoyment and diverse forms of indulgence. It is on this day that women fully adorn themselves with jewellery and wear their most beautiful clothes. Men wear elegant attire and arrange for the finest foods. This day is con- sidered to be such a happy and joyous occasion that even the greatest of misers will eat meat on this day. The Kashmiris especially devour goats without meas- ure—though other people do no less. In short, for some, Eid is but a name for all sorts of amusement, enjoyment, mirth and merriment. It is regrettable, however, that the people do not realise this deeper essence at all. The Essence of Eid-ul-Adha The seed of sacrifice that was sown by Abraham as in a hidden manner was exhib- ited by the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in the form of flourishing crops—and this, in reality, is the great secret in this day. Abraham, peace be upon him, was even ready to slaughter his son to fulfil the command- ment of God Almighty. This was a hidden indication of the fact that man ought to become wholly devoted to God; and one’s own life, and the blood of one’s children, and one’s kith and kin, ought to appear insignificant in the face of God’s command. Just observe the many great sacrifices that were offered in the era of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, who perfectly exemplified each and every pure teaching. The wilderness was filled with blood. It was as though streams of blood began to flow forth. Fathers spilt the blood of their children and sons killed their fathers, and both were happy—in fact even elated—in laying down their lives and being hacked to pieces in the cause of Is- lam and God. But now reflect, except for fun and enjoyment, entertainment and amusement, what has remained of spirituality? This Eid-ul-Adha is greater than the Eid that precedes it, and people generally refer to this as the ‘Greater Eid’ as well, but reflect and do tell me, how many people, as a result of this Eid, are actu- ally moved to purify their soul, cleanse their heart, partake of spirituality, and endeavour to absorb the radiance and light that is present in this duha (time of brightness)?