Tadhkirah — Page 478
478 worlds. ’] See how He has elaborated the meanings of the word nusuk by the words mahy a [i. e, life] and mam a t [i. e. , death]. By this elaboration, He has thereby pointed towards the reality of sacrifice. O wise ones, reflect upon this. Whoever offers his sacrifice with a true understanding of the meaning of sacrifice, and does so with a sincere heart and pure intention, has verily thereby offered the sacrifice of his self, his children and his grandchildren. And for him is a great reward, like the reward which was for Ibr a h i m [Abraham], from his Benevolent Lord. Our Master, the Chosen One, the Messenger Elect, the Imam of the Righteous, and the Seal of the Prophets who is the most truthful after Allah, has stated that: Verily sacrifices are mounts that lead you towards the Lord of Creation; and erase faults and ward off afflictions. This is what has been conveyed to us by the Messenger of God, the best of creation, peace and magnificent bounties of Allah be upon him. In this, he indicates the wisdom of sacrifices in eloquent words that shine like pearls. It is immensely pitiful that many people do not understand these hidden subtleties and do not follow this advice. To them there is no meaning in ‘ I d other than to bathe, wear new clothes, gorge themselves and devour mouthfuls of food in the company of their families, servants, and household workers; and then to proceed forth for the ‘ I d prayer adorned like feudal lords. You will find that their greatest joy on this day is to eat sumptuous food, and the height of their desire lies in fine and splendid garments as a display to the people. They know not what sacrifice is, nor the purpose behind the slaughter of goats and cattle. According to