Duty and devotion

The combination of duty and sacrifice marks celebrations of Eid ul-Adha, festival of sacrifice, observed by Muslims across the world. Tradition has it that God tested Prophet Abraham by directing him to sacrifice his son Ishamael. Satan tried to coax Abraham from carrying out God's dictate. Abraham shooed him by throwing pebbles, and so did Ishmael and his mother Hagar.

Abraham proceeded to carry out God's bidding that Ishamael accepted without a murmur. Unable to witness the act, Abraham blindfolded himself, drew his knife and cut what he believed was Ishamael's neck. Each of these acts were examples of duty being performed selflessly. Merciful God, however, intervened.

Tradition holds that Hagar and Ishmael ran between two hillocks in search of water before they found the eternal spring, Zamzam. All these events are re-enacted by pilgrims even today as part of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, one of the pillars of Islam. The pilgrimage culminates in Eid.


Every pilgrimage ultimately is a ritualised set of events that transports participants to a different state of consciousness. Being on a pilgrimage requires imagination and faith - a believer returns stronger. The festival of sacrifice commemorates Abraham's devotion and Ishmael's obedience. And what it should teach its commemorators is to do one's duty, unflinchingly.