Md. Monirul Islam

After days and years, Eid-ul-Azha has come again. This one of the largest religious festivals in the Muslim world is not only a gathering of joy, but it is a unique gathering of sacrifice, unity and humanity. When Muslims all over the world sacrifice in the name of Allah on the 10th of the month of Zil-Hijjah, not only animals are slaughtered. What is slaughtered is our inner pride, greed and narrow-mindedness. This festival reminds us again and again that as humans, our responsibility as humans is not only to ourselves, but also to society and humanity.

The lesson of sacrifice that history teaches, the roots of Eid-ul-Azha are inscribed in the history of the infinite sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). At the command of Allah, he was ready to sacrifice his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS). This event is not just a historical narrative, it is an eternal message. Therefore, being able to give up the most beloved thing for the pleasure of Allah Almighty is the sign of true faith.

 Hazrat Ismail (AS) also passed this test equally. He did not object to his father's decision but rather surrendered himself to the will of Allah. This incident of double sacrifice teaches us that faith does not mean just saying it with his mouth, but if necessary, remaining steadfast in the path of Allah even if he loses everything. The relevance of this teaching is even deeper today. When we get caught up in the pursuit of wealth, get caught up in the illusion of self-interest, and lose humanity in the midst of competition, then the story of Ibrahim (AS)'s sacrifice reminds us that the true greatness of a person is not in power, not in wealth, but in sacrifice.

In the colors of festivals, Bangladesh Eid-ul-Azha has its own form in Bangladesh, it has a different life. A few days before Eid, people flock to the cow market. A festive atmosphere is created everywhere in cities and villages. Children go to the market to see the cows, name them, and caress them. These memories of going to the market holding their father's hand and bringing their favorite cow home are part of the childhood of millions of people in Bangladesh. Especially those who grew up in villages.  The night before Eid, cooking arrangements are made in every house. The smell of semai, payes, and special meats fills the entire neighborhood. On the morning of Eid, after the Fajr prayers, after taking a bath and putting on new clothes, going to the Eidgah, praying shoulder to shoulder in the open field, this scene is a reflection of the ever-familiar thousands of years of Eid in Bangladesh. When the sacrifice begins in every neighborhood after the prayers, the sky and air of Bengal are filled with a different atmosphere. Sending meat to neighbors' houses, distributing it among the poor and needy. These customs have been part of the culture of this country for centuries. It is not only a religious duty, but also a deep social bond.

Another big lesson that Eid carries about unity is equality and unity. The rule of dividing the sacrificial meat into three parts: one part for oneself, one part for relatives, and one part for the poor and needy. Hidden in this division is the dream of building a balanced society.  This Islamic philosophy of bridging the gap between the rich and the poor is equally relevant today, but even more important in today's discriminatory society. On the day of Eid, people forget the differences between the young and the old. Farmers and bureaucrats, workers and owners, rich and poor pray in the same row. This moment proves that Islam does not separate people, but brings them together. When people from different walks of life come together for the same festival, a unique social solidarity is created. The connection of Eid-ul-Azha with Hajj is also a remarkable manifestation of unity. Millions of Muslims from all over the world gather in Mecca at the same time. Different languages, different races, different countries, but the same faith. This scene is one of the largest human gatherings in the world. A fusion of cultures and beliefs. Eid-ul-Azha is also an integral part of the cultural identity of Bangladesh. This festival is not limited to the mosque or the sacrificial field. New clothes, special cuisine, meeting with relatives, the joy of returning to the village. All in all, Eid-ul-Azha becomes a complete celebration of life. The busy city dweller rushes to his village home for the Eid holiday.  One meets old parents, chats with childhood friends, old memories are rekindled. This return is also a sacrifice. Leaving the comfort of the city and returning home to the pull of one's roots.

For generations, this festival has taught people that there will be joy in life, but that joy must be earned through sacrifice. Real happiness is not in consumption, but in sharing. This philosophy has deeply embedded in the character of the people of Bangladesh. The relevance of Eid-ul-Azha in the modern context The way Eid is celebrated has changed over time. In the city, sacrifices are now made in flats, cows can be bought online, and the practice of sharing sacrifices has increased. But despite these changes, the main message of Eid-ul-Azha remains intact. The form changes, but the spirit does not change. However, at this time, we need to think a little. Are we truly accepting the teachings of sacrifice? Hasn't the culture of distributing meat become just a formality? Is the poor person really getting his fair share? These questions awaken our conscience and make us responsible.

 In conclusion, Eid-ul-Azha is not just a festival, but a mirror where we see ourselves. Our faith, our culture, our humanity. All come together on this one day. If we can truly embody this lesson of finding joy through sacrifice in our lives, then not only Eid, but every day will become a gathering.

The sacrificial animal not only provides meat, but also teaches a lesson that people grow only when they give themselves. May our journey be on the path of growth, this is the hope of this Eid. I wish everyone 'Eid Mubarak'.

Author: Law student and young researcher