Eid Al-Adha...
Posted On Friday night the hundreds of cows, sheep, goats, and bulls in our lanes and around cried out. It was like they knew... most of us couldn't sleep. The call to prayer was in the morning, around 8 am, and the slaughter began shortly afterwards, and continued for the day...it was unbelievable. I have several graphic photos that I will not share on here... but have included two... one of a carved cow in the playground, and one of the blood outside our apartment building. It was interesting to stand on my balcony and see people rushing and running from house to house with bags full of meat they had received as donations... blood dripping out of them... people on backs of rickshaws with buckets full of raw meat... Something you would never see in Canada. Please continue to read if you wish...but please first consider the verses in Hebrews 10:
Christ's Sacrifice Once for All
1The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. 2If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins.3But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, 4because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.... 10And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
This festival officially began on Saturday morning when the call to prayer sent several men walking down our lanes to the Mosque to have their knives blessed. The cattle, goats, and rare camels, had been tied up...fattened, and inspected for blemish... ready to be sacrificed as a gift to god.
During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.
Allah has given them power over animals and allowed them to eat meat, but only if his name is pronounced at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of allah at the time of slaughter, they are reminded that life is sacred.
The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes their willingness to give up things that are of benefit to them or close to their hearts, in order to follow allah's commands.
It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37)
On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosques. Prayers are followed by visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts. At some point, members of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise will make arrangements for the slaughter of an animal. The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter.
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1 comments:
Hi Cori,
As I read what you just wrote, part of me was is shock. But then I had to stop. This isn't our culture or way of life or religion. If I also put it into context, we go hunting and send our animals to the butcher as well. The only difference here is that is huge display so it might be a bit unnerving. The tough part would be also to see the blood around for weeks in the streets. This is only my opinion. The other part on this is when you worked at Colt, we worked with many different cultures. You have been learning so much about their religion and their culture while you are there. I am sure you will have more insite on things now. You may or may not agree with it but WOW what an experience.
Have faith as I know you do but you are being taught way more than I ever will. You are wiser beyond your years. I hope that at sometime when you get home we can see each other. If you are too busy and we can't get together, know I am giving you the hugs of support and love. Take care my friend. Linda
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