The world today is a world of\ndifferences and conflicts between the humans. Therefore, we should find the\nuniversal common grounds, and lessen the tensions by concentrating on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the most important things in\ncommon for many of humans is their religion. Today, most of the human\npopulations are followers of Divine religions. Among the Divine religions,\nIslam, Christianity, and Judaism are Ibrahimian religions, and the reflections\nof the high monotheistic position of Prophet Ibrahim\/Abraham (PBUH) are easily\ndetectable in the Holy Quran and even in Torah and Bible in many instances.\nTherefore we can acknowledge Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) as the father held in\ncommon, and the manifestation of the Divine religion, and the mean to\nunderstanding and agreement among followers of different religions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, the Holy Quran states\nabout Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH),<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen his Lord\ntested Ibrahim by His words and he satisfied the test, He said, \u2018I appointed\nyou as the Imam (Leader) of mankind …\u201d (1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also in Torah it is mentioned, \u201cAs for\nme, behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many\nnations.\u201d (2), (3)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Furthermore, in the Bible addressing\nhis people, Jesus Christ (PBUH) says, \u201c\u2026Your father, Ibrahim rejoiced to see my\nday\u2026\u201d (4)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore if we, the followers of the\nDivine religions, can bring about understanding on the basis of the Divine\nreligion introduced by Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) which is compliant with the\nnature of mankind, we would be able to reach consensus and peaceful coexistence\namong us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a practical example for\nestablishing a common ground and peaceful coexistence, the Holy Quran says\nabout Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH), \u201cVerily, he was a man of truth, a Prophet.\u201d\n(5) By this illustration, we can\nacknowledge, as a point held in common religious basis, that we should all be\nhonest and truthful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But what had Ibrahim Khalil Allah\n(friend of God) done that made him achieve such a position in the history of\nhumanity? Again, with reference to the divine Books and history, we realize\nthat he had been put into several divine tests in his life, all of which he\npassed successfully. One of the great tests that Ibrahim Khalil al-Rahman could\npass successfully, resulting in accomplishing the position of Imamate, was the\nbeheading of his dear son Isma\u2019il\/Ishmael (PBUH). The birth and granting of\nIsma\u2019il (PBUH) to his father, in old age, had been another divine test. In\nspite of his excessive affection to his son Isma\u2019il (PBUH), Ibrahim (PBUH) did\nnot hesitate a moment in obeying the divine command. But the divine destiny was\nset differently, and the knife did not cut Isma\u2019il\u2019s throat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yes, from that occurrence, this day\nwas announced by the creator as a festival for all. Eid al-Adha (the festival\nof sacrifice) is the festival of complete submission of the servant to his\nLord, therefore it is not exclusively for us Muslims. Because we are all\nservants to Him, and He is the lord of us all, and Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) is,\nby His order, the father held in common for us all. Therefore the entire world\nshould consider this day as Festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(Taken from the\nbook, \u201cThe Endeavor of Ideas (Vol. 1)\u201d by Late Allamah Muhammad Taghi Ja\u2019fari\n(with summarization and addition)) <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Roshd Website congratulates all\nthe followers of divine religions, especially you dear friend, upon the great\nEid for owners of pure and aware consciences, Eid al-Adha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Footnotes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. The Holy\nQuran, (2:124)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. This means\nProphethood and Leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Torah, the\nbook of Genesis 17:4<\/p>\n\n\n\n