COMMENT | According to the Holy Book (Surah As-Saffat, verses 100-107), God appeared to Prophet Ibrahim in a dream and commanded him to sacrifice his dearest possession as an act of obedience and submission.

So, Prophet Ibrahim submitted to God’s will, laid his firstborn on the side of his forehead and prepared for the sacrifice. However, before the prophet could fulfil the sacrifice, God called out to him and replaced his son with an animal.  

To commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to give up his beloved son on God’s command, Muslims around the world sacrifice animals on Aidiladha. This ritual has often been questioned by non-Muslims and Muslims alike.

Oftentimes during the festival, I find myself debating friends who see the ritual as something barbaric. They seem to have forgotten that the steaks and kebabs they enjoy all year round also came from slaughtered animals. In fact, even the processed meat most of us buy from the frozen food section of the supermarket was once an animal that had its throat cut open. 

However, when I am...