Today is the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, the Eid of al Adha (Eid of Sacrifice). For those on Hajj (pilgrimage) they will be coming to the end of their pilgrimage and Muslims throughout the world will be remembering the way of Abraham and celebrating Eid with family and friends. All of us at the Christian Muslim Forum would like to extend our sincere prayers for a successful Hajj, and Eid Mubarak.
Eid al Adha is of particular relevance to the Christian and Muslim traditions, because the story of Abraham is shared by both faiths. Abraham’s way is one that we are all encouraged to follow as Christians and Muslims. It is a story of trust, reliance and patience, shared by both faiths. ‘When his son was old enough to walk with him, he said: ‘O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offering you in sacrifice to Allah), so see what you think!’ He said: ‘O Father! Do that which you are commanded, insh’allah (if Allah will), you shall find me of the patient.’ (Surah 37. 102)
All of the three monotheistic faiths know the story and its outcome. When Abraham and his son submitted themselves to God’s will and prepared for the sacrifice, God stops them: ‘Verily that indeed was a manifest trial. And we ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. a ram). And We left for him a goodly remembrance among generations to come in later times’. (37.108) Our trials as Christians and Muslims are very different today! But we are often reminded as people of faith of the virtues of facing our difficulties with patience and trust in God.
‘O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley with no cultivation, by Your sacred House (the Ka’ba at Mecca); in order, O our Lord, that they may offer prayers perfectly, so fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks.’ (14.37)
Christians remember figures like Abraham as Advent approaches (this weekend) and they prepare for Christmas and its message of sacrifice and peace. As we celebrate our own festivals we can celebrate each other as worshipping communities, remembering to pray for places where there are tensions and violence between Christians and Muslims.
We also take this opportunity to reissue our ‘Christmas statement’, which includes an article on Christmas from a Muslim perspective.
From the staff of the Christian Muslim Forum: Daniel Edge (writer), Julian Bond (editor), Nicky Minford, Nadeem Javaid. See Daniel’s Inter Faith Week Diary
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