Sarawak,Malaysia; Saturday.
This is the time most Malaysian Papers or newspapers in Malaysia is filled with stories about Sacrifice. It is always done during the peak of the Hajj season.
The peak of the Hajj season is marked by the Eid Ul Adha. Like the Eid Ul Fitr the day started with morning prayers and then there is the rite of Sacrifice. This is when animals such as cows, sheep, camels and Buffaloes are slaughtered and the meat is given to the poor.
This rite is a symbolic act by all Muslims. It started with the Prophet Abraham who was tested by God as to how faithful he is. An angel was sent to the Prophet in his sleep and appeared in his dream. The angel conveyed the message from God that Abraham is to sacrifice his son,Ishmael, inorder to prove that he [Abraham] is indeed faithful to God.
After much thinking and internal conflict, Abraham made his resolve after much pleading by Ishmael, his son. Ishmael told Abraham to do just about everything that God ordered him to do. Abraham went to a stone altar for the sacrifice, his son, Ishmael going along with him.
It is on this walk or journey that he was stopped by none other than the Devil who tried to make him feel guilty and stop him from obeying God’s orders. Three times the Devil tried and was thrown at by Abraham with stones. The stones turned into fire and consumed the Devil.
Finally, when they reached the sacrifical altar, as Abraham was about to obey God with the knife still in his hand, Ishmael was exchanged with a sheep. So Ishmael was saved and Abraham’s faith restored.