Purpose of Eid al-Adha, Redemption of Abraham’s Son, and Salvation

As Eid al-Adha approaches, it is important for Muslims to consider its purpose. This way their celebration will be true to the original purpose.

Muslims and Christians teach Abraham’s son was not sacrificed. Allah provided an animal substitute. This has raised questions for both Christians and Muslims.

Is there a relationship between the purpose of Eid al-Adha and salvation?

Story of Eid al-Adha in the Quran and Torah

The Quran explains Abraham didn’t sacrifice his son but an animal instead. “And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice” (Qs 37:107). This agrees with the Torah which was written 2000 years before.

As Abraham was about to sacrifice his son, Allah stopped him. Then Abraham spotted a lamb nearby. “. . . Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son” (Torah, Genesis 22:10-13).

Why Abraham’s Son Needed to be Redeemed/Ransomed

Is it true the testing of Abraham’s obedience is the primary purpose of Eid al-Adha? Then why do the Quran and Torah specify an animal was sacrificed in exchange for Abraham’s son? The Quran even uses the word “ransom.”

We should ask why Abraham’s son needed to be ransomed. Isn’t it true that without this exchange, Abraham’s son would still have been saved because Allah forbade him to be sacrificed? Couldn’t Allah have tested Abraham’s faith without providing this redemption?

Please send us your opinion of why this redemption had to take place.

Moses, David, and the Sacrificial Lamb

Moses, the author of the Torah, used Abraham’s sacrifice as an example when demonstrating a sacrifice for sins (Torah, Exodus 30:10). “. . . David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the LORD” (Torah, 2 Samuel 6:17).

However, these sacrifices during the time of the prophets were only “. . . a shadow of the good things to come . . .” (Injil, Hebrews 10:1). “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Injil, Hebrews 10:4).

Meaning Of “Good Things to Come”

The Prophet John the Baptist testified about the good things to come. When he saw Isa Al-Masih he said, “. . . Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Injil, John 1:29).

John the Baptist’s intention was “. . . Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him” (Injil, Hebrews 9:28).

According to the Word of Allah, the primary purpose of Eid al-Adha was to foretell the sacrifice of Isa Al-Masih on the cross for the sins of mankind.

This Eid al-Adha we encourage you to consider Allah’s Redeemer—Isa Al-Masih. Because only He has the power to forgive sins and give you assurance of salvation. Believe in Him!

If you want to know how you can have assurance of salvation, email us.

SOME QUESTIONS FOR THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW

We encourage our readers to comment on the article above. Comments that don’t directly relate to the topic will be removed. Please start a dialogue with us by focusing on one of the following questions:

1. Why do you think it was necessary for Abraham’s son to be redeemed?
2. What’s your opinion about the primary purpose of Eid-Adha as explained above?
3. How can Isa Al-Masih’s sacrificial death bring salvation to all those who believe in Him?

[We invite you to visit us at https://www.isaandislam.com/way-of-salvation to learn more about God’s gift of Salvation. God loves you and waits to hear from you. Isa clearly said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Injil, John 14:6). For a deeper understanding of Isa, we suggest you subscribe to “Isa, Islam, and Al-Fatiha” at this link.]