What is Eid Ul Adha?

Islam has a few holidays that are central for Muslims to participate in. One of those is named Eid Ul Adha. This is a three-day celebration in which Muslims go to the Mosque and sacrifice animals for the people's sins. While the holiday was instituted in response to the way one prophet cared for the poor and needy, there are underlying spiritual beliefs to this holiday, too. I have observed this holiday firsthand in a country where Islam is the majority religion. You may not have noticed it on your calendar, but it was noted on the Apple calendar in June this year.

In 2023, I was able to observe this holiday in Southeast Asia. Everything was closed the day before so families could prepare for the day. As we commuted to the island, thousands of people lined up outside their mosque. We read Hebrews 9 and 10 to be reminded of Jesus during their holiday. From what we understood, those participating believed they would receive special blessings from the holiday, including forgiveness of their sins. Similar to the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, participants would have their sins forgiven from the past year.

When we arrived on the island, one of the mosque's leaders showed my teammates and I the island. There were a few men who would retrieve each animal, and they were sacrificed in front of everyone on the island. After the holiday, Muslims spend time cooking their portion of the meat they had received from the event.  It was eye-opening to see the different postures of observance at this event. Some laughed and carried on as 17 goats and a cow were sacrificed on their behalf. Children grabbed our hands, ensuring the team had a front-row seat to observe. Others were more interested in talking to or about us than celebrating their holiday. Finally, the Christians who were there were brokenhearted by the people's blindness to the actual truth.

The truths the believer can be encouraged by are as follows:

• Hebrews 7:22; 8:1-4 - Jesus is the better high priest. He offered a once for all sacrifice for the sins of humanity. He is better than any earthly priest because He has resurrected, showing He has the power to do such an act.
• Hebrews 9:13-14 - The blood of goats and bulls could cleanse at one point through the old covenant, but much more will the Son of God cleanse all who believe in Him through this new covenant
• Hebrews 10:19-25 - Because of Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice of Himself for the forgiveness of sins(Heb. 10: 10-12), Christians can draw near to our personal God without needing other sacrifices, priestly mediators, or a physical place.

Let us not forget that there are countries filled with people who believe there is no hope for the forgiveness of their sins apart from trying harder, being better, and following universal morality. Let us remember that Jesus is really good news for us, too!

Pray

1. Jesus is the once-for-all sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9 and 10)! Because we know this is true, we do not have to sacrifice animals to pay for our sins. Those who believe and confess Jesus is Lord have a restored relationship with God in which they can ask for forgiveness of their sins. Thank Him for forgiving yours!
2. Pray for those who believe their sins cannot be forgiven and those who think they must sacrifice animals for them to be forgiven.
3. Pray that Muslim people would see God as the one true God and recognize the good news Christ offers them!