Amal Al-Sibai
Umar bin Abdul Aziz was an Umayyad caliph who ruled with a just hand and brought many reforms. He was so well known for his piety, scholarliness, and lack of indulgence in luxuries that he was nicknamed after Umar bin Al-Khattab, as Umar II. Indeed, Umar bin Abdul Aziz was, from his mother’s side, a great-grandson of Umar bin Al-Khattab.
Umar bin Abdul Aziz lived a simple life and he demanded the same of his children. He did not hoard wealth nor did he live an ostentatious life.
During Eid when he was ruler, the Muslims gathered in the presence of the Caliph to congratulate him on the happy occasion. All the children were dressed in beautiful, new Eid clothes and when he looked to his own son, he saw that he was dressed in an old, ragged thobe. Umar bin Abdul Aziz had a worried look on his face.
His son, wiser than his years, noticed his father’s distress and asked what had upset him.
Umar bin Abdul Aziz said that he feared that the young boy would feel robbed of enjoying the festivities of Eid because unlike all the other children around him, his father had not given him new Eid clothes.
The young boy exclaimed, “Father! I am not broken hearted. The heart is broken of the one who knows Allah and then disobeys Him and the one who mistreats his parents. As for me, I have joy, because Eid lives in the hearts of those who obey Allah.”
Eid lives in the hearts of those who obey Allah.
That is the true happiness; a happiness that comes from within, from remembering Allah, thanking Allah for the blessings that He has given us, praying, giving charity, and serving others.
Eid is not only three days and it is not about wearing new clothes and eating chocolate. Eid is every day, and it is a celebration of living in obedience and submission to Allah and living in kindness and harmony with the people around you.
