Every year, the blessed occasion of Eid-ul-Adha arrives with the fragrance of sacrifice, obedience, patience, and unwavering faith. Animals are sacrificed across the world, families gather in joy, and Takbeer echoes through the air. Yet beyond the rituals lies a deeper message that many hearts fail to absorb. Eid-ul-Adha is not merely about slaughtering an animal; it is about slaughtering pride, laziness, hopelessness, selfish desires, and every attachment that distances us from Almighty Allah.
Many years ago, Hazrat Ibrahim made a choice that transformed human history forever. He loved his son deeply, yet he loved Allah more. When the divine command came to sacrifice his beloved son, he submitted without hesitation. But Allah Almighty did not intend to take away his son; rather, He intended to remove every attachment that could compete with love for the Creator.
And this is the beauty of sacrifice: when a believer lets go of worldly attachment for the sake of Allah, what is returned becomes purer, more blessed, and more meaningful.
Thus, in these sacred days of sacrifice, every believer must ask:
Which attachment must I sacrifice?
Is it laziness?
Is it arrogance?
Is it hopelessness?
Is it the unhealthy obsession with comfort and easy success?
Or is it the endless complaining despite countless blessings?
The great acts of worship in Islam—Hajj, Umrah, the Day of Arafah, Eid-ul-Adha, Al-Udhiyyah, and Ayyam-ut-Tashriq—all trace their spiritual roots back to the family of Prophet Ibrahim. Yet many people know the rituals without understanding the struggles behind them.
Before becoming “Imam-un-Nas” — a leader for humanity — Prophet Ibrahim (AS) endured unimaginable trials. He was thrown into the fire, abandoned by his people, separated from his family, and tested repeatedly by Allah Almighty. But every trial only elevated his rank because he responded with patience and complete trust in Allah.
One of the most touching chapters of his life was his longing for a righteous child. It is narrated that Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) was around eighty-six years old, while Hazrat Hajira (AS) had also reached old age. For years, they remained deprived of children. Yet Ibrahim (AS) never allowed despair to overcome his faith. He continued to raise his hands sincerely before Allah Almighty, and eventually Allah blessed him with righteous offspring whose legacy continues to illuminate the world.
This incident alone is a timeless message for humanity, especially for those couples who silently endure the pain of childlessness. In a society where many lose hope after exhausting treatments and worldly means, the life of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) teaches us that despair has no place in the heart of a believer. Delays are not denials. Allah’s timing is beyond human understanding.
Patience does not mean weakness; patience means trusting Allah even when the heart is tired.
The Qur’an beautifully explains the spirit of sacrifice:
“Say: Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.”
This is the true essence of Eid-ul-Adha — dedicating one’s desires, ambitions, wealth, comfort, and even life itself for the pleasure of Allah Almighty.
And when we reflect upon this message, another inspiring life from our modern age comes to mind — the life of Paul Alexander. Paul Alexander was not a prophet, nor a king, nor a wealthy ruler. He was an ordinary man who became extraordinary through patience and perseverance. Struck by polio at the age of six, he spent most of his life trapped inside an iron lung, unable to breathe naturally like ordinary people. Imagine the pain, helplessness, and isolation he endured for decades. Many healthy people break down mentally over minor inconveniences, yet this man continued to live with courage despite being confined inside a machine.
What makes his story remarkable is not merely survival but contribution. Despite his condition, Paul Alexander pursued education, became a lawyer, wrote books, inspired millions, and transformed his suffering into motivation for humanity.
He could have surrendered to
despair.
He could have spent life complaining.
He could have blamed destiny.
But he chose gratitude over
bitterness.
And herein lies the painful contrast with many among today’s youth.
There are young men blessed with health, strength, education, mobility, and opportunity, yet they remain idle for years, waiting only for a government job with less workload and a high salary. They reject honest labor, private work, business, skill development, freelancing, agriculture, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship because modern society has wrongly convinced them that dignity only exists in comfort. This mindset is dangerous.
A generation addicted to ease can never build a strong society.
The tragedy today is not unemployment alone; it is the death of initiative. Many wait endlessly for opportunities instead of creating them. They spend years criticizing systems while refusing to improve themselves. Social media consumes their energy, comfort weakens their ambition, and comparison destroys their peace.
But Eid-ul-Adha teaches something entirely different.
It teaches sacrifice before success.
Patience before reward.
Effort before achievement.
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) waited decades before receiving the blessing of a child.
Hazrat Hajira (AS) ran desperately between Safa and Marwah before Zamzam emerged.
Hazrat Ismail (AS) submitted himself calmly before sacrifice.
And Paul Alexander struggled every single day simply to breathe.
Compared to such examples, many of our complaints appear embarrassingly small.
The real disability is not physical weakness; the real disability is a defeated mindset. A person can be trapped inside a machine and still inspire the world, while another may possess complete physical freedom yet waste life in laziness and excuses.
Eid-ul-Adha reminds us that greatness demands sacrifice. Sometimes the sacrifice is wealth. Sometimes comfort. Sometimes ego. Sometimes unhealthy attachment to status and luxury. And sometimes, the greatest sacrifice is sacrificing the habit of waiting helplessly while life slips away.
Allah Almighty has blessed many of us with healthy bodies, functioning limbs, supportive families, and opportunities that millions can only dream of. Yet gratitude is absent from our lives. We complain more than we appreciate. We desire more than we strive.
True gratitude is not spoken only by the tongue saying “Alhamdulillah.” Real gratitude is using Allah’s blessings responsibly and productively.
A healthy youth wasting his years in idleness while demanding luxury is not honoring the blessings Allah has bestowed upon him.
The story of Paul Alexander and the legacy of Ibrahim together deliver a timeless lesson to humanity:
Patience is power.
Sacrifice is elevation.
Hardship is not the end of life.
And sincere trust in Allah can transform impossible situations into miracles.
As Eid-ul-Adha approaches, let every young person reflect deeply:
What are we sacrificing for success?
What are we doing with the health, time, and abilities Allah has given us?
Are we building ourselves, our families, and our society?
Or are we merely waiting for comfort while opportunities pass silently?
History never remembers those who only complained.
It remembers those who struggled despite pain.
May this Eid-ul-Adha awaken within us the spirit of sacrifice, patience, gratitude, and determination. May Allah Almighty protect us from laziness, hopelessness, and arrogance, and grant us the strength to live meaningful lives filled with purpose, dignity, and sincere effort.

About Author
The author is a renowned educator and coaching consultant in Kashmir, widely recognized as a columnist, motivational speaker, and Associate Editor of Education Quill. In addition to his contributions to the field of education and public discourse, he also provides top-quality Video Door Phone (VDP) and CCTV surveillance solutions across Kashmir.
Phone: 9205000010 / 9205000016
Email: [email protected]

There was a time when wooden cots were an integral part of life in Indian homes, courtyards, community halls, and fields. From morning tea to nighttime sleep, the cot was not just a piece of furniture but the center of social, cultural, and family life. But as the influence of modernity increased, urbanization gained momentum, and new types of beds, sofa-cum-beds, and expensive mattresses began to appear on the market, the cot gradually began to disappear from homes. It was considered archaic, rural, and a symbol of backwardness. But the wheel of time is turning once again. Today, people are returning to the wooden cot. This return is not just a return to a traditional object, but also a symbol of changing attitudes towards life, awareness of health, and the search for balance with nature.
The cot has a long history in Indian society. It is also known by names like charpai, manji, or khatiya. This structure, made of a sturdy wooden frame and woven with ropes or strips, formed the foundation of Indian life for centuries. Cots were the hallmark of village community gatherings. Family elders made decisions while sitting on cots, farmers rested on them after a hard day’s work, and children grew up playing and playing on them. It was not only a means of rest but also a platform for social dialogue. Even today, discussions held on cots in rural India are considered the most spontaneous and natural expression of democratic dialogue.
The past few decades have seen significant lifestyle changes. People have embraced modern furniture as a symbol of progress and prosperity. Large beds, thick mattresses, and attractively designed furniture have become essential household items. Advertisements have also convinced people that comfort lies only in expensive mattresses and modern beds. As a result, the cot gradually faded from use. But now, as people face health problems, increased stress, and the adverse effects of a sedentary lifestyle, they are beginning to reconsider traditional options they once abandoned.
The biggest reason for the popularity of wooden cots is their health benefits. Modern lifestyles have rapidly increased back pain, neck pain, and spinal problems. Sleeping on overly soft mattresses has proven uncomfortable for many. In contrast, the frame of a cot provides balanced support. The cot, woven from ropes, distributes body weight evenly, reducing unnecessary pressure on the spine. Even today, many elderly people in rural areas appear to be in good physical condition due to years of sleeping on cots. Although each person’s health needs vary, cots are considered a natural and balanced means of rest.
In India, where the climate is hot, the usefulness of a cot is even greater. Foam and spring mattresses often trap body heat, increasing discomfort in summer. In contrast, a cot allows for airflow both above and below the bed. This natural ventilation cools the body and improves sleep quality. This feature of a cot becomes especially important in an era of increasing electricity consumption and dependence on air conditioners.
The importance of cots is also increasing from an environmental perspective. Today, the world is talking about sustainable development and environmental protection. The modern furniture industry widely uses plastic, synthetic foam, and chemicals, which have adverse environmental impacts. In contrast, cots made from wood and natural ropes are relatively eco-friendly. They last longer, are easily repaired, and most of their parts can be recycled or decomposed naturally. At a time when people are becoming more sensitive to the environment, cots are seen as a sustainable option.
One reason for the return of the khat is economic. The prices of expensive furniture and branded mattresses are constantly rising. On the other hand, khats made by local artisans are relatively inexpensive and durable. Khats are still available at low cost in rural and semi-urban areas. They can last for years and can be refurbished by replacing the ropes when needed. Thus, the khat is not only a cultural heritage but also an economically viable option.
Interestingly, the return of the khat isn’t limited to rural areas. Even in larger cities, people are embracing it in new forms. Interior designers have begun reimagining the traditional khat with a modern aesthetic. Many homes today feature khats as both decorative and functional pieces in balconies, gardens, terraces, or living spaces. Resorts, cafes, and homestays are also incorporating khats into their premises to offer customers a desi and traditional experience. This demonstrates how blending tradition and modernity is possible.
Social media has also played a significant role in increasing the popularity of the khat. Today, themes like “sustainable living,” “slow life,” “desi lifestyle,” and “return to the roots” are gaining popularity among young people. People share photos of the khat in their homes and farmhouses. Many young people, who once considered the khat a village-only item, now see it as a part of their lifestyle and identity. This change indicates that the new generation is viewing its cultural heritage from a new perspective.
The khat holds no less cultural significance. It is frequently mentioned in Indian literature, folk songs, and films. It has been a symbol of rural life, intimacy, and togetherness. When family members sat together on the khat and conversed, communication evolved naturally. Today, in the digital age, where people are often preoccupied with mobile screens even while living in the same home, communal seating spaces like the khat can once again become a medium for social closeness.
However, the return of the cot doesn’t mean that modern furniture has become completely irrelevant. Modern life demands different demands, and modern beds may be more convenient in many situations. However, the growing popularity of cots does indicate that people are increasingly prioritizing not just convenience, but also health, the environment, and cultural connection. They are seeking alternatives that can make life more balanced and natural.
In fact, the return of the khat is part of a broader social shift in which people are striving to return to their roots. Whether it’s traditional food, organic farming, pottery, or wooden khats—people are now realizing that development doesn’t just mean adopting new technologies. Development also means understanding traditions that have stood the test of time and have the potential to make life simpler, healthier, and balanced.
Today, as the world changes rapidly and life becomes ever more complex, the wooden cot offers a message of simplicity. It reminds us that comfort can be achieved not only through expensive means, but also through a lifestyle in harmony with nature. The return to the cot is a sign that society is beginning to re-value its cultural memories, traditional knowledge, and environmental understanding.
The cot may never again become a staple in every home in the years to come, but its renaissance certainly proves that tradition never completely disappears. As the challenges of modern life increase, society often seeks solutions within its roots. The return of the wooden cot is a story of this search—a story that encompasses health, the environment, culture, and the desire to make life more humane.
This is why people today are returning to wooden cots. They are not simply adopting an old piece of furniture, but are reviving a philosophy of life based on simplicity, balance, intimacy, and harmony with nature. This is the ultimate meaning and greatest achievement of this return.

(Dr. Satyawan Saurabh, PhD (Political Science), is a poet and social thinker.)