To the Editor:
On Sept. 12, Muslims around the world celebrated Eid-ul-Adha, the Islamic holiday which commemorates the spirit of sacrifice of Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael. One of these incidents of sacrifice was when Prophet Abraham was told by God to leave his wife, Hagar and their son Ishmael alone in the desert. After they were left alone, Ishmael started crying and his mother ran frantically between two hills called Safa and Marwah to find help or water. While baby Ishmael was crying, he was hitting his feet into the ground. At one point, his heels hit a spring of water. This spring provides water even today and created the city we now know as Mecca one of Islam’s holiest cities and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
This biblical story of sacrifice is not only a major concept in the three Abrahamic faiths, but shows the beautiful connection that many faiths have. It is these connections that can be a source of unity in these tumultuous times. Whether you are Muslim or not, a happy Eid from my family to yours.
Saira Bhatti
Centreville