We are rapidly approaching the blessed and spiritual time of Eid-ul-Azha (Kurbani Eid) when countless animals are sacrificed, symbolic of Prophet Ibrahim’s (pbuh) willingness to sacrifice his much-loved and only son as an act of obedience to Almighty Allah – an excellent example of pure and unconditional righteousness and faith, if there ever was one.
It’s a time when families and friends come together – many from far distances inland and overseas – for prayers, to exchange gifts, enjoy special culinary delights and the warm embrace of their loved ones.
It’s a time, for many city dwellers to momentarily escape the hustle and bustle, incessant traffic snarls, noise, and air pollution of cities like Dhaka and Chittagong and return to the tranquility and clean air of their villages.
It’s a time for pause and reflection for everyone – Muslim and non-Muslim alike – to make a conscious assessment of where we are, where we planned to be, and where we hoped to be at this time this year, and if we need to do a U-turn in our lives at the first opportunity.
Special occasions like Eid-al-Azha are much more than ‘X-marks-the-spot’ on our calendars, but spiritual milestones in our lives to lean against, stand still, rest a little, reflect upon our lives, and ask ourselves if we are on the right road and if not; which road should we be on.
