The Return…
Often, upon the return of someone, the joy is celebrated in killing the fattened calf, at least linguistically speaking. This expression has found its way into modern lexicon, whether it is used in a positive joyous manner or more sarcastic meanings. This concept of killing the fattened calf actually derives from a biblical parable Gospel of Luke 15:11-32.
The story itself is pretty interesting. A father has two sons, one son leaves and squanders his wealth while the other stays by his father’s side and cares for him and his business. Eventually, the younger son returns whereupon the father welcomes him with open arms and kills the fattened calf for the feast. The older son is understandably upset and his father tells him that “My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. ” (Luke 15:31-32).
The underlying meaning may be that it is important to celebrate the return of those who are lost back to the fold, whether it be the fold of family, religion, community or other. Hadithuna was intended as a community network for Muslims whereupon the voices and ideas of Muslims around the world would have an open forum. It is to this amazing community I hope to initiate a return and remain active in blogging. I do not expect a fattened calf since I am but an insignificant servant of the Almighty!
