On this auspicious day of Eid Al Adha, on behalf of the Council of European Jamaats, I would like to take this opportunity to extend our felicitations to all Hujjaj and Mo’mineen, wishing everyone a very joyous, peaceful and blessed Eid.
‘And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute with one another lest you lose courage and your strength depart, and be patient; surely, Allah is with those who are patient.’
(The Holy Qur’an 8:46)
Eid Al Adha marks the completion of Hajj, where Muslim communities across the world put aside all differences of culture, race and religious denomination and unite as one Ummah in worship of the Almighy (SWT). The house of Allah (SWT) is also known as the house of peace, and with the world currently suffering from turmoil, tyranny and disarray, is a timely reminder that peace can only be achieved with the sincere and devoted efforts of all. The uniform of the white ihram ensures that all are equal with no one greater than the other – restoring the ideal world order.
There are numerous lessons that can be gained from Hajj. Namely, here one has to strictly observe restraint and disconnect from the insatiability of perceived human nature. This is a lesson that could be transferred to all aspects of our daily lives, not only in symbolical terms but in a substantial sense it is a matter of great responsibility. If this responsibility is discharged correctly there would be no conflict and bloodshed, and equality and justice could prevail insha’Allah.
On the day of Eid, Muslims offer the sacrifice (qurbani) of an animal, in the way of Allah (SWT) recalling the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (as). This annual ritual evokes the significance of the original sacrifice, where our Prophet was prepared to lose his beloved son for the pleasure of our Creator.
As you are sacrificing an animal on this day, bear in mind that you are in fact, sacrificing the dearest thing you possess in this world. As eloquently expressed by Dr Ali Shari’ati in his book ‘Philoshopy of Hajj’:
"This is a story of man's perfection and his freedom from selfishness and animalistic desires. It is man's ascension to a higher spirit and loves, to a strong will that frees him from anything that may hinder his responsibility as a conscious man."
This day marks the opportunity for spiritual purification both for those fortunate to have visited the house of Allah (SWT) and those at home. The physical sacrifice is intertwined with the responsibility to detach oneself from material gains, in order to develop a greater consciousness of what is truly important in order to attain the rewards in the hereafter.
On Eid day we then gather in remembrance of our Awaited Saviour (atfs) with the recitation of Dua Nudba
“Where is the last proof of Allah? The one who is a link of the chain of guidance of the purified progeny of the Prophet (SAW) without whose presence this system cannot remain?”
This call is more powerful today than ever before; with the growing threat against Islam and the distortion of the teachings of the Prophet (SAW) and the words of Allah (SWT). As we ponder over the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (as) and the powerful words of this dua in our hearts, let us unite as a nation and collectively work towards a new future which is rich with hope and possibilities for every one of us, a future illuminated by the blessings of Allah (SWT).
During this holy month of Dhul Hijja, I humbly request you to join me in prayer, both thanking Allah (SWT) for our blessings and remembering our brothers and sisters who are undergoing difficulties across the globe. Let us pray for their safety as well as praying for unity, peace and justice to prevail and for the hastened reappearance of Al Mahdi (atfs).
With salaams and duas,
Dr. Husein Jiwa
President
The Council of European Jamaats