THE SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SACRIFICE — Meaningful Deed

become as steadfast in our lives as the Prophet Ismael. Patient steadfastness is the sole foundation of a healthy society. Without patience, such a society is impossible. This is because when many people live together, it is inevitable that things will repeatedly arise that people regard as unpleasant. This happens even in a family situation or in a small locality. And, so, naturally, it will happen in a large community, too. If a room is full of statues, of course the statues won’t ever come into confl ict with each other. But things are diff erent when human beings live together. It is but natural that they will have their diff erences and complaints. To slaughter the animal inside us that comes to life when faced with differences and complaints, is the real sacrifice that God desires. In such conditions, the only way to prevent confl ict and chaos in society is for people to embody the virtue of sabr or patient determination. They must learn to patiently face the unpleasantness of others. They must rise above complaints whilst forging relationships with each other. Patience always demands sacrifi ce. It is impossible to steadfastly face diffi cult situations without sacrifi ce. In life, one repeatedly faces situations when, because of someone else’s actions, we feel insulted. Our egos are hurt by the behaviour of others. We get provoked and driven to anger. In such situations, the animal in us is rudely awakened. At such moments, we need to slaughter this ‘animal’ inside us. The sacrifi ce of this ‘inner animal’ alone is the true sacrifi ce. Only through this sacrifi ce can we build and lead a truly God-oriented life. Only then can we go on to build a truly healthy society. To slaughter the animal inside us that comes to life when faced with diff erences and complaints is the real sacrifi ce that God desires. By off ering this sacrifi ce, we off er proof of that exalted quality that is called taqwa or piety in the Quran (THE QURAN 22: 37). Only after we sacrifi ce this ‘psychological animal’ does the great virtue of sabr or steadfastness begin to appear in us. Steadfastness, patient toleration, forgiveness and avoidance are indispensable for a healthy society. These qualities can only emerge in the true sense of the term