I was thinking about the verse, “We, like sheep, have gone astray” and I was going to post the title We Like Sheep and then later on explain it, but then I realized it looked like another post about eating lamb. Comma placement is important.
For those who are concerned, Calvin’s back is OK. The doctor said he has mild scoliosis that shouldn’t get worse because of his age. I thought his X-ray looked pretty twisted, but I guess when the doctor has seen sideways leaning spines, a mild curve is no big deal. He recommended some physical therapy for his pain which means another visit to his primary doctor to get the referral submitted, then a visit to the insurance office a week or two later to get the approval paperwork and then he can start physical therapy. By the time that comes through he’ll probably be pain free. This is how insurance companies save money in the short term, but lose in the long run. When preventive care is such a pain in the butt that you don’t bother to do it, but wait until you have a problem that won’t resolve without expensive intervention — Josh’s back surgery is a prime example. So yeah, he may or may not get physical therapy. I guess it depends on how much hoop jumping I feel like doing this week.
The kids have been off school this week for Eid. It’s the biggest Muslim holiday of the year, where they celebrate God providing a lamb so that Abraham didn’t have to sacrifice Ishmael.
From the informational email that the base sent out: One of Abraham’s many trials was to obey Allah’s order to sacrifice his first born son, Ismael. Upon receiving this divine command, he prepared to submit to Allah’s will. When he and Ismael were prepared to execute the order, Allah revealed to him that his “sacrifice” had been fulfilled. At the exact moment that Abraham was to move the blade to sacrifice Ismael, Allah replaced Ismael with an animal. Abraham demonstrated that his love and devotion for and to his Lord superseded all others. Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice) is a reminder of Prophet Abraham’s example of true faith, devotion, and sacrifice in the cause of All-Mighty God.
Part of the Eid celebration is the sacrifice of a sheep, goat, or other approved animal. There is signage all over the island advertising animals for sale. Interestingly enough, local Eid sheep cost twice as much as imported ones when I would think it would be the opposite. (I just looked it up and it looks like local breeds are in higher demand for sacrifice, thus the higher prices.) Families will go to the feed lots, select their animal and take it home and slaughter it themselves. They keep 1/3 of the meat for themselves, 1/3 goes to family members, and 1/3 is given to the poor. I’ve never seen a slaughter here, though my friend’s neighbor has had a sheep tied in their front yard for the past two weeks, but we did see one when we were in Jordan over Eid. The ritual varies by country with some adopting a practice of outsourcing the sacrificing part and picking up the meat afterward. Old school is to do it yourself in your front yard.
More info: It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for sins or using the blood to wash away past transgressions. The Qur’an explains: “It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him.” {Qur’an 22:37} The symbolism is in the attitude- a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path.
As the kids and I were heading to the pool the other day, we passed the sheep and goat holding pens. People were parked and picking out their animals for the upcoming sacrifice. I asked the kids, “Aren’t you glad that we don’t have to do that? God provided the Lamb once and for all.” It’s interesting to me that they get that God provided and intervened for Abraham, but miss that it was symbolic of the future sacrifice that would take place for all of us. I’m thankful that we are covered by God’s grace and that I don’t have to fear that my salvation is based on my piety. Cause that would be mish queas (not good).
We, like sheep, have gone astray, each has turned to his own way. And the Lord has laid upon him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6