Honorable Muslims!
It was the second year of the Hijrah. For the first time, our Prophet (swt) would celebrate 'Eid al-Adha with his Companions. Qurbani would be performed, and believers would rejoice in unity and solidarity as they celebrated 'eid. The joy and excitement of the 'eid surrounded everybody. The Messenger of Allah (saw) greeted his Companions when he arrived the masjid. After offering thanks and praise to Allah (swt), he (saw) said, "The first thing to do on this day is to perform the 'eid prayer, then we will return and slaughter our sacrifices. Whoever does so then indeed has followed our sunnah."[1]
Dear Believers!
Qurbani is more than just sacrificing an animal; it is a quest for piety and becoming close to Allah (swt). It is a symbol of purely and sincerely turning towards al-Rahman. It is a manifestation of the love for Allah and a sign of sacrifice in the way of Allah. It is a heartfelt adherence to our Almighty Lord's (swt) commandment, "Say, 'Surely my prayer, my worship, my life, and my death are all for Allah—Lord of all worlds.'"[2]
The 'Eid al-Adha, on the other hand, is granted to Allah the Almighty to His pious servants. It is His (swt) offering for those equipping themselves with the Prophet Ibrahim's (as) faith, Hajar's (as) loyalty, and the Prophet Isma'il's (as) patience and submission.
Dear Muslims!
Let us strive to spend the days of 'eid with the sense of worship. Let us treat our sacrificial animals, which are the symbol of getting closer to Allah (swt), mercifully and tenderly. Let us pay attention to not hurting them.
Let us perform the slaughtering of our qurbani at officially designated locations. Let us heed our Prophet's (saw) saying, "Cleanliness is half of faith."[3] As always, let us pay attention to environmental cleanliness during and after the slaughtering of our qurbani as well.
Let us protect ourselves against potentially infectious diseases transmissible from unhealthy-looking meat and variety meat of our qurbani by burying them in deep pits.
Dear Believers!
The days of 'eid are the days to give out and share in the way of Allah (swt). The days of 'eid are about remembering and being remembered. Let us therefore observe the rights of neighbors, relatives, the poor, the orphan, and those in need. Let us share our love and grace with them in addition to our material resources.
The silat al-rahm is the essence of the 'eid. Starting from our parents, let us visit our elders and friends, relatives, and neighbors, and be the recipients of their prayers. Let us share the pleasure of 'eid with the sick, the elderly, and the abandoned. Let us not deprive our children and youth, who represent our future, of the spiritual ambiance of 'eid.
The days of 'eid are exceptional times where the brotherhood in faith peaks. So, let us heal broken and saddened hearts with the 'eid's beauty and abundance of divine blessings. Let us put an end to bad feelings and resentments between us and our brothers and sisters. Let us stay away from revenge and grudge as well as backbiting and slandering, which damage our unity and brotherhood.
Dear Muslims!
The days of 'eid are the days of enhancing our sense of being an 'ummah. Let us support our oppressed and victimized brothers and sisters in religion, who welcome the 'eid in blood and tears, through our verbal and non-verbal prayers. Let us supplicate to our Lord Almighty (swt) for the Muslim lands to enjoy days of 'eid in peace and security.
I would like to take this opportunity to pray to Allah the Almighty (swt) to make the 'Eid al-Adha conducive to calmness for our souls, barakah for our homes, and peace for our country and the Islamic world. 'Eid Mubarak; I wish you all a happy 'Eid!
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[1] Bukhari, 'Eidayn, 3; Tirmidhi, Adahi, 1.
[2] An'am, 6/152.
[3] Tirmidhi, Da'awat, 86.
General Directorate of Religious Services