Eid: A Celebration of Spiritual Yearning

Today is a day of great joy as we celebrate Eid Al-Adha, a day dedicated to festivities. Intrigued by the essence of this special day, I sought wisdom from one of my teachers to gain a deeper understanding. His enlightening response revealed that Eid is a commemoration of the spiritual growth and enlightenment we experience during Ramadan and the initial ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah. It is a time to express gratitude towards Allah.

However, I couldn’t help but contemplate an alternative perspective on the spiritual significance of Eid, a day synonymous with happiness. Reflecting on the origin of humanity, I recalled the moment before our existence on Earth when Allah gathered all spirits and asked, “Who is your Lord?” In unison, we affirmed that Allah is our Lord. This moment, I believe, can be considered the birthplace or birthday of our spirits. Thus, the days of Eid hold a special place for our spirits. During this time, our spirits yearn for their Lord even more intensely, for we are inherently spiritual beings, with our bodies serving as vessels to nurture our spirits. In this world, our spirits are confined, like being trapped in a cage, eagerly awaiting their ultimate destination and eternal rest with Allah.

For believers, the day of Eid evokes a profound longing and sadness within their spirits, intensifying our yearning for the Lord. It seems that if Eid is truly a celebration for the spirit, then our understanding of happiness may have been misunderstood. Perhaps genuine happiness lies in the very act of longing and yearning, as it represents true “سعادة” which means happiness. Of course, Allah possesses the ultimate knowledge, and I humbly share my perspective.

On this auspicious day of Eid, let us embrace the celebration of our spirits’ yearning for Allah, recognizing that true happiness lies in the pursuit of our spiritual connection with the Divine.

Dr. Zafar Ajmal