All praise is due to Allâh The Sustainer, and Protective Guardian of humanity. May His choicest blessings be upon our Master Sayyidina Muhammad and upon his illustrious galaxy of Companions.

We once again commemorate the heroic submission of Ibrahim and the valiant compliance of Ismail u on this day of Eidul Adha.

The life of Ibrahim u serves as an epitome of faith, courage, and compassion. His conduct, conviction, and submission are the vital traits patently absent from a society characterised by its indifferent, selfish, self-centered and voracious ethic.

"The Knife"

"It is neither the flesh, nor the blood [of the animal] that reaches Allâh, but it is your Allâh-consciousness that reaches Him."

The concept of Qurbâni has a profound impact on, our lives. It is relevant today, as it was in the day and age of Ibrahim u. The "Knife" as an implement, has the potential to disconnect, remove, and extricate. Qurbâni, is really a symbolic declaration to sever, unfetter, cut off and dispense with extravagant, self-centred ostentation. The "knife" needs to go beyond the throat of the animal, it has to be placed onto the heart, and sever the arteries that sustain sentiments of greed, hatred, cowardice, hypocrisy, and malice. The melodies of the heart have to ooze, out like blood that flows from the sacrificed animal. Allâh needs neither the flesh nor the blood of the sacrificed animal; He simply ascertains the "Knife" has to be placed on the beast within you so that it may extricate the venom and brute passion.

"The Family"
When he left his wife and infant son at the foot of mount Safa and Marwa, she simply responded saying that: "He [Allâh] will certainly never leave us to perish." Likewise, when he concurred with his son about the dream and its implication, his son responded by saying: "O My beloved father, do as you have been commanded! Allâh-willing you will find me from among the patient." What kind of relationship existed between husband, wife, and son? How did Ibrahim u command such implicit trust and dedication from his family? How did they so easily identify with his values and purpose?

Demeanor! Communication! Compassion! Three fundamental requirements for the healthy development of a vibrant, happy, and healthy, family. How often do you communicate, teach, and display love, to those around you? Does your conduct warrant emulation?

"The Submission"
"Verily my prayer, my sacrifice, my very life, and death is for Allâh The Sustainer of the Worlds. He has no partner, and with that (belief) have I been commanded, and I am the foremost of those who submit."

The unparalleled submission of Ibrahim, Hajira, and Ismail u lays the basis for our relation with Allâh. It highlights the need to identify with the precept of "Divine Rights and Human Obligations" No command of Allâh can be made subject to man-made laws. No command of Allâh can be measured against the benchmark of common law. How consistent is the Qurbâni of Ismail, the apparent abandonment of Hajira in the burning sand dunes of Arabia with the incoherent concept of Human Rights and Gender Equality?

"The Consequences"
The courage, determination, and faith of single women paved the history of the desolate sand dunes of Arabia. The steadfastness of Hajira u served as the foundation for the eventual establishment of Makkah. The scorching thirst of an infant led to the miraculous well of zam zam. What apparently seemed to be a waste of human life gave rise to the annual pilgrimage where millions of Muslims converge to pay homage to Ibrahim

Too often, we stand petrified of the thunder, oblivious of the potential rain it brings. We forget that dark clouds herald torrential rain.

The Law and workings of Allâh are perfect, full of wisdom and are premised on His Mercy and Benevolence. What at first seems to be difficult, crude and burdensome, may really be the beginning of lasting prosperity. Allâh says: "Perhaps you may dislike many a thing, whilst Allâh has placed abundant good therein." Qurbâni is the very antitheses of subjective obedience or convenient compliance.

May Allâh Ta'âla imbue our darkened souls with the true spirit of Qurbâni - Âmîn.