Eid ul-Adha or the “Feast of Sacrifice” is one the most significant Islamic holidays. It usually lasts 3-4 days. 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 Eid-ul-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 Eid ul-Adha in depth, how Eid ul-Adha and Hajj commemorate Ibrahim and Hajar’s legacy, benefits of re-enactment, and how children could re-enact some parts of Eid ul-Adha.
Origins of Eid ul-Adha
It originated from a test of obedience in which Allah instructed Prophet Ibrahim or Abraham (Peace be Upon Him) in a dream to sacrifice his son, Ishmael (Peace be Upon Him).
The Quran stated:
“Then when the boy reached the age to work with him, Abraham said, “O my dear son! I have seen in a dream that I ˹must˺ 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.”
(Surah As-Saffat 37:102)
As a result, Prophets Ibrahim and Ishmael were obedient to Allah’s command and arranged for the sacrifice. However, Shaitan or Satan, attempted to prevent Ibrahim from fulfilling the commandment. But, Abraham repelled Satan away by throwing pebbles at him.
While Ibrahim was in the task of sacrificing Ishmael, Allah sent Angel Gabriel (Peace be Upon Him) with a sheep. Then, Angel Gabriel told Ibrahim that he passed Allah’s test and directed him to sacrifice the sheep instead of Ishmael.
The Quran stated:
“Then when they submitted ˹to Allah’s Will˺, and Abraham laid him on the side of his forehead for sacrifice, We called out to him, “O Abraham! 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 Abraham with honourable mention among later generations: “Peace be upon Abraham.”
(Surah As-Saffat 37:103-109)
Indeed, Ibrahim showed willingness and faithfulness to fulfill Allah’s test, despite being commanded to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, and being tempted by Satan.
The Quran stated:
“He was truly one of Our faithful servants.”
(Surah As-Saffat 37:111)
How Eid ul-Adha and Hajj Commemorate Ibrahim and Hajar’s Legacy
While Prophet Ibrahim and Ishmael (Peace Be Upon Them) showed obedience and submission to Allah’s command, another inspiring individual in this story is Hajar or Hagar (May Allah be Pleased with Her), the wife of Ibrahim.
Her experience in the desert is a powerful example of faith, patience, and reliance on Allah. To elaborate, Allah instructed Ibrahim to send Hajar and Ishmael to a desert which is called Makkah. As a result, Hajar accepted the position because she believed that it was Allah’s command. However, it was a difficult task because she was desperate to find water for baby Ishmael and herself. Consequently, she ran 7 times between 2 hills called Safa and Marwa, aiming to search for water for both of them. Suddenly, there were springs of water called ZamZam that were found below the feet of Ishmael. Currently, ZamZam water is available for Muslims globally. Indeed, her struggle is honored annually during Hajj, as Muslims walk between Safa and Marwa to recall her resilience and sacrifice.
The Quran stated:
“Indeed, ˹the hills of˺ Ṣafa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes the major or minor pilgrimage to the ˹Sacred˺ House, let them walk between ˹the two hills˺. And whoever does good willingly, Allah is truly Appreciative, All-Knowing.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158)
Also, there is a symbolic act of throwing rocks at stone pillars in Mina. This honours Ibrahim for refusing Satan’s effort to prevent him from following Allah’s command. By throwing rocks, Abraham showed that he won’t listen to Satan.
These rituals, deeply connected to the lives of Ibrahim, Hajar, and Ishmael, assist 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 Abraham’s sacrifice, they gain critical thinking skills by asking questions, problem-solving, and comprehending the story better. Also, it 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. Surely, re-enacting significant events makes learning interesting and notable. It turns Islamic teachings into real experiences that children will remember in their lives.
How Could Children Re-enact:
- Role Play: Act as Prophet Ibrahim, Ismail, or Hajar. They can dress up, use props, and speak simple lines. Helps them understand the emotions of each person in the story.
- 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 Eid ul-Adha more relatable and memorable for children.
Re-enactments make stories into real experiences. They give life to the lessons of Eid ul-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. Eid ul-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://muslimgirl.com/what-we-can-learn-from-the-story-hajar/
- https://quran.com/2
- https://www.kindergartenkiosk.com/kindergartenkiosk/2016/1/21/the-benefits-of-dramatic-play
Add new comment