Eid al-Adha Reflections: The Symbolism of Sacrifice and the Continuity of Imamat
Exploring the profound connection between Prophet Ibrahim's (Peace Be Upon Him) legacy and the sacred tradition of Nass in the Ismaili Imamat.
Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
Eid ul-Adha Mubarak
Eid al-Adha is known as a symbol of sacrifice. But what truly defines a sacrifice?
It is the sacrifice the Imam makes for his Jamaat.
When the Imam designates his progeny to succeed him, it is a testament to his unwavering faith and devotion to Allah. This sacrifice is akin to the acceptance of fate by Hazrat Ismail (A.S.).
The Imam devotes his entire life to the betterment of his community—worldly, spiritual, and intellectual. For those who seek spiritual enlightenment, the Imam becomes their guiding light.
Let us begin with the Farman of our beloved 49th Imam.
“I have dedicated my life to the uplift and progress of the Ismailis all over the world and I pray for all your happiness and success.” -
Hazarat Imam Mawlana Shah Karim al-Husayni Aga Khan IV, (Willi Frischauer, The Aga Khans, 217)
Let’s dive into the Ismaili Dai’s quote.
“‘We gave him good news of a forbearing boy,’ (Qur’an 37:101) means ‘We mentioned that the boy is the candidate for the Imamat (al-murashah li l-imama) and the trustee for the reception of the Word [of God] and he is Ishmael.’
‘And when the boy reached the age of running with him, he said: O my son. I see in the dream that I am sacrificing you’ (Qur’an 37:102) means ‘I am taking upon you the Covenant of Imamate (mithaq al-imama) and establishing you as an Imam for the divine law.”
- Abu Hanifa al-Qadi al-Nu‘man, Asas al-Ta’wil (Foundation of Revelatory Exegesis), 125
Al-Qadi al-Nu‘man provides the ta’wil (esoteric exegesis) of the substitution of Ishmael with a “sacrificial ram” as follows:
“The sacrifice (al-dhibh) in the esoteric sense (fī al-baṭin) is a symbol of the taking of the covenant (al-mithaq) because slaughter brings forth death and it is the silence of the movement of the physical body. Thus, he [Abraham] appointed Ishmael to the rank of spiritual interpretation (ta’wil) and secrecy and the establishment of the esoteric da‘wa and he appointed the ranks for it and he [Ishmael] was silenced from public teaching, explanation, and disputation with the exoteric. For that, he [Abraham] appointed Isaac instead of him [Ishmael]. Ishmael was in the rank of Foundation (al-asasiyya) and Isaac instead of him was in the rank of [trustee] Imamate. This is the word of God: “And we substituted him with a great sacrifice”. It is said in the exoteric sense that he was substituted with a “ram”. The Arabs say about a man who is the chief protecting regent of his nation – ‘so-and-so is the “ram” of his nation’. Thus, the sacrifice in the esoteric sense is the taking of the covenant (al-mithaq) according to what we said. This is taken upon the Prophets, the Founders, and the Imams when they inhabited that…. Thus, Ishmael was substituted with Isaac and appointed to the rank of Foundership and Isaac instead of him was appointed in the rank of [trustee] Imamat.”
- Abu Hanifa al-Qadi al-Nu‘man, Asas al-Ta’wil (Foundation of Revelatory Exegesis), 125
Recently, we have been blessed to witness the Takhtnashini (enthronement) of His Highness Mawlana Shah Rahim Al-Husayni Hazar Imam (peace be upon him), as designated by the will of our beloved 49th Imam, His Highness Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Husayni (peace be upon him).
In accordance with the sacred tradition of Nass (designation), Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Husayni (peace be upon him) appointed his eldest son as his successor during his lifetime. This act of Nass is profoundly significant, symbolizing a divine covenant akin to the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail (peace be upon him), in submission to Allah’s command.
As narrated in the Holy Qur’an (Surah As-Saffat, 37:102–107), Prophet Ismail (peace be upon him) willingly submitted to his father’s divine obligation, embodying the essence of sacrifice and obedience to Allah’s will.
Throughout history, the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt have exemplified this spirit of sacrifice, dedicating their lives to the material, spiritual, and intellectual upliftment of the Jamat (community).
The 49 Imams preceding our present Imam have tirelessly served humanity, guided by divine authority, fostering peace, unity, and enlightenment.
This sacred legacy continues through His Highness Mawlana Shah Rahim Al-Husayni, who, in accordance with the will of his father, has devoted his life to the service of the Jamat and the broader global community.
The principle of Nass ensures the continuity of this divine guidance—a tradition rooted in the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him and his progeny) designation of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) as his successor, as referenced in historical accounts such as the event of Ghadir Khumm (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2408).
The festival of Eid al-Adha holds deep symbolic resonance with the institution of the Imamat.
It commemorates not only Prophet Ibrahim’s (peace be upon him) unwavering faith but also reflects the Imamat’s enduring commitment to divine authority, sacrifice, and service.
Just as Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and Prophet Ismail (peace be upon him) demonstrated selflessness, the Imams have consistently placed the well-being of their followers above personal interests—guiding the Jamat through challenges, and fostering resilience and progress.
For instance, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), under the guidance of the Imamat, has impacted millions of lives globally by promoting education, healthcare, and sustainable development—embodying the Imam’s vision of improving the quality of life for all (AKDN Annual Report, 2024).
As we celebrate Eid al-Adha and reflect on the Takhtnashini of our present Imam, let us renew our commitment to the values of compassion, unity, and service that define the Imamat.
May Allah, in His infinite mercy, continue to guide us through the Noor (light) of the Imam, illuminating our path until the Day of Judgment. Ameen.
Eid ul-Adha Mubarak.