By: Husna Shafiyah binti Hishamuddin

Edited by: Suziana binti Che Wil

Among Muslims, many individuals aspire to change themselves for the better. Some may plan to volunteer within their communities, while others may begin prioritising their health by exercising regularly. In one way or another, these efforts reflect a form of sacrifice.

In terms of sacrifice, there is a vague concept that might differ for many people. And this could be happening during the Aidiladha itself. 

Within the month of Eiduladha, quite numbers would give different interpretations to a question “what is sacrifice?”. There might be giving back to the poor, or sadaqah to the mosque, or even abandoning the bad habits behind for the sake of doing good. In this case, there is no definite answer but rather, any action with good intention to give is considered a sacrifice itself. 

For instance, an action for muslims to start praying is sacrificing their worldly matters and time for Allah. An action to help the poor and the vulnerable is equal to sacrificing their worldly wealth for Allah. An action to self-improvement, leaving the negative norms is equally sacrificing their pleasure to Allah. 

And this in fact, proven by His sayings in the Quran; “Say, indeed my prayer, my acts of worship, my life, and my death are all for Allah, the Lord of all worlds.” (Al-An’am: 162). 

Furthemore, the Aidiladha celebration is an annual celebration for the Muslims whole world. The celebration itself is not just created to celebrate generosity or sacrificial. But rather to teach; to never stop giving. To continuously give and help the poor regardless. To never stop giving yourself any excuses to do good. 

The month of Eiduladha also emphasises the importance of self-sacrifice in abandoning harmful habits and unhealthy norms. This does not necessarily refer only to major wrongdoings, but also to the willingness to embrace change, seek personal growth, and adapt to better ways of living. 

In Islam itself, the encouragement towards self-improvement proved to be uplifted. Self-improvement which requires discipline, to leave what is supposed to in order to grow. This could be leaving the comfort of a home to pursue higher education or cutting the sugar-consumption to cure health issues. 

Narrated by Abu Umamah: “Whoever loves for the sake of Allah, hates for the sake of Allah, gives for the sake of Allah, and withholds for the sake of Allah, then indeed he has perfected his faith.”

In a way, the sacrifice behind the Eid does not require to stop at the Eid. The concept itself is huge and differs as it can be done beyond it. 

Date of Input: 08/05/2026 | Updated: 08/05/2026 | suziana.wil