Isma’il (AS) was born to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Hajra (Hagar) in Ibrahim’s old age—a miraculous blessing after a lifetime of devotion, patience, and faith in God. His birth came after many years of longing and prayer, as Ibrahim’s wife Sarah was unable to conceive for most of their lives together. Yet through it all, Ibrahim never wavered in his trust in his Creator.
Eid-ul-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the ultimate test of that unwavering faith. It marks the moment when God commanded Ibrahim to sacrifice his beloved son, Isma’il—a command he obeyed without hesitation. In a remarkable act of submission, both father and son prepared to carry out God’s will. But just as the act was to be completed, God, in His infinite mercy, intervened. Through the angel Jibra’il (Gabriel), Ibrahim was told that his devotion had already been accepted, and a ram was provided as a substitute for the human sacrifice.
This moment established a critical message for all of humanity: that human life is sacred, and human sacrifice is strictly prohibited. It was also the origin of Qurbani—the ritual of animal sacrifice that is central to the observance of Eid-ul-Adha.
Qurbani, which means “sacrifice,” is performed annually by Muslims around the world as a symbolic act of obedience and devotion. A goat, sheep or cow is sacrificed to honour Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to give up what he cherished most for the sake of God. The meat from the sacrificed animal is distributed in three equal parts: one-third is kept by the family, one-third is given to relatives and friends, and one-third is donated to the poor and vulnerable. This sharing reinforces the values of charity, compassion, and community support that lie at the heart of Islam.
Eid-ul-Adha is one of the two major Islamic festivals observed each year. The other, Eid-ul-Fitr, is celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid-ul-Adha, often referred to as the “Greater Eid,” takes place during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah and coincides with the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage—the fifth pillar of Islam.
As noted in Islam Now, Hajj is a sacred religious obligation for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it at least once in their lifetime. Every year, millions of Muslims journey to Mecca, retracing the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim, who, in obedience to God’s command, left his wife Hajra and son Isma’il in the desert valley of Mecca. Hajra’s desperate search for water between the hills of Safa and Marwah, and the eventual appearance of the Zamzam well, remain deeply significant parts of the Hajj rites.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) later institutionalised Hajj as a core practice of the faith, and today, those who complete the pilgrimage are honoured with the titles Hajji (for men) or Hajjah (for women). These individuals are respected within their communities for their commitment and spiritual dedication.
Locally, a prominent Guyanese Muslim explained that once the special Eid prayers and sermon are completed, the Qurbani sacrifice begins. The act must be performed with sincerity, and the meat must be shared according to Islamic tradition. Beyond the sacrifice itself, the day is marked by celebration, unity, and generosity—families gather, greetings are exchanged, and gifts are shared.
Islam, as described by Wikipedia, is an Abrahamic monotheistic faith followed by approximately 1.9 billion people globally—about 25 per cent of the world’s population. It teaches that God is merciful, all-powerful, and singular, and that humanity has been guided through a line of prophets including Ibrahim and Muhammad (peace be upon them). Muslims form the majority population in more than 50 countries around the world.
The term Islam itself derives from the Arabic root “S-L-M,” which connotes meanings such as peace, submission, and surrender. According to Quranic teachings, Islam means attaining peace—peace with God, peace within oneself, and peace with all of creation—through complete submission to the will of God. This definition is perfectly embodied in the life of Prophet Ibrahim and his acceptance of divine will, which the Festival of Sacrifice seeks to honour and remember.
As Muslims in Guyana and across the world gather to observe this sacred occasion, the management and staff of Times Media Group extend warm Eid-ul-Adha greetings to all our readers.
Eid Mubarak!
