An essential occasion for Muslims is the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha (Celebration of sacrifices), which is also called the bigger Eid.

Let us analyze the fact that Eid-ul-Fitr is a celebration that entails fasting for 30 days and recitation of the Qur’an during these days and requires so much exercise physically and spiritually that it is not accorded the status of the greater Eid.

But what kind of celebration, done during the Hajj (holy pilgrimage), which not all Muslims are able to afford or attend due to certain constraints, possess, that it's ascribed to the name Eid e Akbar? (the Greater Eid).

What is the true essence of this sacrifice? And what subtle meaning lies under the slaughtering of goats, sheep, cattle, and camels every year by Muslims all over the world? Just as the Promised Messiah (as) inquires:

“...but reflect and do tell me, how many people, as a result of this Eid, are actually moved to purify their soul, cleanse their heart, partake of spirituality, and endeavour to absorb the radiance and light that is present in this duha (time of brightness)?” (Malfuzat [English Translation] Vol. 2, p. 206)

The meaning of the word adha is to become clear as the time of brightness (day). (Al Munjid page 447).

Thus, a link is brightly established that the true purpose of this Adha (sacrifice) requires that one completely cleans himself of the dross of iniquity and not remaining still, fully submit himself to his Lord, engaging in seeking his pleasure so much so that he is removed far from the ignominy of darkness and assumes daylight.

There lies another subtle point here. The Promised Messiah (as) has explained in Haqiqatul Wahi (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation) that submitting oneself fully and cleansing himself of sin and evil becomes as clear as a well-polished mirror without any form of stain and the light of God Almighty upon falling on such a person reflects such light so fully that the rest of the world apprehends the light of God from such a person.

This is a stage that Hazrat Ibrahimas had reached when he made the animal sacrifice. The slaughtering is but a symbol of man's readiness to lay down his life for the sake of his Creator and Master just as camels lay down their lives for their masters. This is the supreme object and purpose of sacrifice. (Five Volume Commentary, Volume 4, Page 2154)

The Promised Messiah (as) in his historic and blessed extempore speech in Arabic, on the day of Eid ul Adha states;

“The service which delivers a person from loss in the next life is really the slaughtering of the nafs-e-ammarah (the self that incites towards to evil) which embodies an overwhelming passion for evil deeds.” (Khutbah Ilhamiyyah)

He (as) further states;

“How sad, how distressingly painful it is that most people do not comprehend these subtle points and therefore do not obey this injunction. So for them, Eid is nothing but taking a bath, putting on new clothes and devouring food ravenously --- they and their families and relatives and slaves --- and going out to the Eid prayer gorgeously and luxuriously dressed as if they were chieftains and great princes... they do not entertain even the slightest idea of what the sacrifice means and for what purpose goats and cows are slaughtered.”

He (as) then admonishes;

“Thus, O heedless ones, meditate deeply on this. Whoever grasps the true meaning of sacrifice and performs it with the purity of heart and sincerity of intention, he indeed has sacrificed his own life, and that of his sons and grandsons, and for him is an honorable reward like that which prophet Abraham received from his Lord.” (Khutbah Ilhamiyyah)

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I (ra) about this sacrifice states;

“Whoso sacrifices, Allah pours his special grace on him. Allah becomes his friend. In addition, he makes him and manifestation of his love. Thus, Allah grants him the status of Ubudiyyat (submissiveness). This is the status that embodies limitless progress. Thus as it was said to Ibrahim (as) أسلم meaning submit then he immediately said أسلمت لرب العالمين meaning, ‘I submit to the lord of all worlds.’” (Khutbaat-e-Nuur page 378)

The Promised Messiah (as) further states;

“Therefore it is incumbent on all believing males and females who are in search of the pleasure of the love of God to understand this truth, and to make it their cherished goal and to impress it deeply in their hearts that every atom of their being may be permeated with it, and they should have no peace and tranquillity until they have fulfilled this sacrifice to their Beloved Lord and Master.” (Khutbah Ilhamiyyah)