3,000 Years Of EID
Eid Mubarak! Once again, over 2 billion Muslims around the world are getting ready to celebrate Eid, the biggest festival in the Islamic calendar. In 57 countries, businesses, schools, and courts will close, and world leaders will send their greetings. The global economy will briefly pause as communities come together to honor a tradition that goes back nearly 4000 years to the time of Prophet Ibrahim A.S. in the ancient city of Ur, Iraq.
The Origins of Eid and the Story of Prophet Ibrahim A.S.
Around 4000 years ago, Ibrahim A.S. was born in Ur, a powerful and important city. Today, the Ziggurat of Ur still stands as a testament to its ancient grandeur. Ibrahim A.S.’s birth and early life in this city were documented in the Torah and confirmed by archaeological finds in the 1930s, which revealed ancient tablets and treasures from that era.
Despite his privileged upbringing in a prominent family connected to the king of Ur, Ibrahim A.S. was unhappy with the city’s idol worship. The people worshipped many idols, the most important being Marduk. In a bold act, Ibrahim A.S. destroyed all the idols except the largest one and left the axe by its side. When questioned, he suggested that the large idol had destroyed the others, showing the absurdity of idol worship.
The Great Trial and Migration
Angered by his actions, the king, possibly Nimrod, ordered Ibrahim A.S. to be burned alive. Miraculously, he emerged unharmed, shocking everyone and preventing further attempts on his life. After this event, Ibrahim A.S. moved with his family to Canaan (now Palestine).
Years later, despite his wealth and many servants, Ibrahim A.S. was childless. At 86, he prayed for a child, and his prayers were answered with the birth of his son, Ismail A.S. However, the most difficult test was yet to come. Ibrahim A.S. dreamt that Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son, Ismail. Obedient to Allah’s will, Ibrahim A.S. prepared to do so, but Allah intervened, substituting a ram for Ismail. This event is remembered each year during Eid al-Adha.
The Journey to Mecca and the Founding of a Sacred City
Following Allah’s instructions, Ibrahim A.S. left his wife Hajar and son Ismail in the barren desert of Faran (now Mecca). Running between the hills of Safa and Marwa in search of water, Hajar’s desperate efforts were rewarded when water miraculously sprang from the ground, forming the well of Zamzam. This act of devotion is reenacted by millions during the Hajj pilgrimage.
As Ismail grew, the region prospered. Ibrahim A.S. and Ismail later built the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, making Mecca a vital religious and trade center. Even after Ibrahim A.S.’s death, the tradition of Hajj continued. However, its purpose became unclear over time until the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) restored the monotheistic faith of Ibrahim A.S.
The Economic and Social Impact of Eid Today
Today, the celebration of Eid al-Adha involves the ritual sacrifice of an animal, echoing Ibrahim A.S.’s willingness to sacrifice his son. The meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives, and one for the poor, fostering a spirit of charity and community. This ritual has significant economic effects, generating billions of dollars worldwide. For example, Eid-related spending reaches $3 billion in Pakistan, $4 billion in India, $5 billion in Bangladesh, $14 billion in Indonesia, $6 billion in Saudi Arabia, and $2 billion in Turkey.
Eid al-Adha not only honors Ibrahim A.S.’s legacy but also boosts economies, strengthens community bonds, and reaffirms the values of faith, sacrifice, and compassion. As we celebrate this historic festival, we remember the profound journey of Ibrahim A.S. and the lasting significance of his legacy in our modern world. Eid Mubarak!
