SUMMARY: Eidul-Adha is one of Islam's major holidays. Reenacting parts of its rituals can help children understand and relate to the lessons of Eidul-Adha and the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim and his family to Allah.
Eidul-Adha or the “Festival of Sacrifice” is one the most significant Islamic holidays. It usually lasts a few days. The majority of Muslim families will most likely attend special prayers at their local masjids. Muslims usually don new outfits and give gifts to families and friends. Indeed, there are valuable lessons to learn from the origin of Eidul-Adha. For children, an impactful method of learning is re-enactment. It can help children recall, comprehend, and connect better with Islamic history in a profound way. This article will explain Eidul-Adha in depth, how EidulAdha and Hajj commemorate Ibrahim and Hajar’s legacy, benefits of re-enactment, and how children could re-enact some parts of Eidul-Adha.
Origins of Eidul-Adha
It originated from a test of obedience in which Allah instructed Prophet Ibrahim or Abraham in a dream to sacrifice his son, Ismail or Ishmael, peace be upon them.
The Quran relates: “Then when the boy reached the age to work with him, Ibrahim said, “O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I sacrifice you. So tell me what you think.” He replied, “O my dear father! Do as you are commanded. Allah willing, you will find me steadfast.” (37:102)
As a result, Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail were obedient to Allah’s command and arranged for the sacrifice. However, Shaitan or Satan attempted to prevent Ibrahim from fulfilling the commandment. But Ibrahim repelled Satan by throwing pebbles at him.
While Ibrahim was in the task of sacrificing Ismail, Allah sent Angel Gabriel with a sheep. Gabriel told Ibrahim that he passed Allah’s test and directed him to sacrifice the sheep instead of Ismail.
The Quran stated:
“Then when they submitted, and Ibrahim laid him on the side of his forehead for sacrifice, We called out to him, “O Ibrahim! You have already fulfilled the vision.” Indeed, this is how We reward the good-doers. That was truly a revealing test. And We ransomed his son with a great sacrifice, and blessed Ibrahim with honourable mention among later generations: “Peace be upon Ibrahim.”
(Surah As-Saffat 37:103-109)
Indeed, Ibrahim showed willingness and faithfulness to fulfill Allah’s test, despite being being tempted by Satan not to obey Allah's command for the sacrifice.
The Quran states (37:111):
"He was truly one of Our faithful servants."
How Eid ul-Adha and Hajj Commemorate Ibrahim and Hajar’s Legacy
While Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail showed obedience and submission to Allah’s command, another inspiring individual in this story is Hajar or Hagar, the wife of Ibrahim, peace be upon them.
Her experience in the desert is a powerful example of faith, patience, and reliance on Allah. To elaborate, Allah had instructed Ibrahim to send Hajar and an infant Ismail to a desert which is called Makkah. Hajar accepted the position because she believed that it was Allah’s command. Desperate to find water for baby Ishmael and herself, she ran seven times between two hills called Safa and Marwa, searching for water for both of them. Suddenly, wells of water (Zamzam) gushed below the feet of Ishmael.
This Zamzam water is today available across the world for Muslims. Indeed, Hajar's struggle is honored annually during Hajj, as Muslims walk between Safa and Marwa to recall her resilience and sacrifice.
The Quran stated (2:158):
"Indeed Safa and Marwah are among the marks of Allah.So whoever comes to the House for Hajj or performs ‘Umrah, there is no sin for him if he makes rounds between them; whoever comes up with good on his own, then Allah is Appreciating, All-Knowing."
The symbolic act of throwing rocks at stone pillars in Mina honours Ibrahim for refusing Satan’s effort to prevent him from following the command of Allah.
These rituals, deeply connected to the lives of Ibrahim, Hajar, and Ismail, help Muslims ponder on trust, patience, and obedience to Allah. When children learn these stories, they have real-life instances of people who put their full reliance on Allah, which is something they can carry into their own lives.
Benefits of Re-enactments
Re-enactments assist children to ponder more deeply about Islamic stories. When they act out events like Hajar’s search for water or Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice, they gain critical thinking skills by asking questions, problem-solving, and comprehending the story better. This inspires creativity and imagination as children take on different roles and express feelings. Moreover, it builds emotional strength by assisting children connect with emotions such as reliance, courage, and faith. Reenacting significant events makes learning interesting and noteworthy. It turns Islamic teachings into real experiences that children will remember in their lives.
How Could Children Re-enact:
- Arts and Crafts: Illustrate a sheep and use cotton balls, build a model of the Kaaba, or create a mini desert scene with hills of Safa and Marwa. They can explain what each part represents. Builds creativity and assists them recall the story through hands-on learning.
- Project: Prepare meat packs or food baskets with their families and hand them to neighbors or local food banks. Teaches children the value of sharing and caring for others.
These hands-on activities make the message of Eidul-Adha more relatable and memorable for children.
Re-enactments make stories into real experiences. They give life to the lessons of Eidul-Adha for children. These activities make memories and lessons that can last a lifetime. By making learning fun and meaningful, adults can assist the younger generation grow into thoughtful and faithful Muslims. Eidul-Adha, when taught with care and creativity, becomes not only an Islamic holiday but a pathway to deeper learning.
Author bio: Amanda Hasan is a graduate of the University of Toronto (Bachelor of Arts) and Humber College (Law Clerk). She is the author of Joyless, an Amazon novella that tells the story of a lonely teenage girl working at an amusement park. More recently, Amanda copyedited several children's stories for Compass Books. She also worked with Muslim Network TV writing scripts, securing guest speakers, and prepping for interviews. Amanda is currently residing in the Greater Toronto Area with her family.
- Eid al-Adha: The Feast of Sacrifice | A Guide to Religious Observances | Resources | Center for Spiritual Life | Brandeis University
- https://kidskonnect.com/holidays-seasons/eid-al-adha/
- https://quran.com/37
- https://quran.com/2
Related:
Eid al-Adha: Remembering the Story of Ibrahim and Ismail
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