For Muslims, we just celebrated Eid Adha yesterday.
In Malay, we usually wish it as “Selamat Hari Raya Haji” or “Selamat Hari Raya Korban”. The celebration primarily relates to the Hajj pilgrimage rite performed in Makkah but in broader perspective in Islam, it reminds us of Prophet Ibrahim (as) and Prophet Ismail’s (as) undivided willingness to sacrifice in order to obey God’s commands and test, which they passed remarkably.
Adha, when translated to English, means sacrifice.
There are so many lessons we can reflect when we ponder around Eid Adha and the rituals involved. Reflecting on the strong faith of the amazing individuals when tested through their sacrifices, endured the challenges and difficulties with patience, but not without any effort and at the end, receiving the blessings and success.
When we look at Makkah today, we can only imagine that it was only a barren land where Prophet Ibrahim (as) left his wife, Siti Hajar and Prophet Ismail (as) who was just baby as a test from the Almighty, which was obey faithfully by the pair. Makkah was literally in the middle of nowhere.
Siti Hajar being the dedicated mother, never gave up looking for source of water to feed her hungry son, running between Safwah and Marwah until finally the Zam Zam water came out from the land, which continues to be a healthy source of water for pilgrims coming to Makkah till today. Makkah became a town, specifically a town of worship and economy, which through sacrifices by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) made it what it is today.
Today, we have millions of people in Makkah each day, with its economy flourishing in a town, which was once a middle of nowhere.
It just shows that a journey to success is never easy and straight one – it is definitely a path with challenges. Many times, we will need to make some sacrifices. But with enough efforts and patience in between, insha Allah, the blessings will come, and we will taste success.
For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.
Ash-Sharh 94: 5