The Muslims the world over are celebrating Eid-ul-Adha, the feast of sacrifice. The festival follows the completion of the course of Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca), an extremely devotional course in which Muslims handsomely demonstrate their renouncement of mundane concerns and hearkens to the eternal voice of God. It is a unique occasion in every way. Besides its highly spiritual and moral characteristics, it has matchless qualities. Muslims use the occasion to pray to God and glorify His name, to demonstrate the remembrance of His grace and favours.. The needy and vulnerable in society are also remembered by showing them sympathy and consolation. In sum, Eid-ul-Adha transcends all limits and expands over the dimensions of human life. The individual Muslim who succeeds in securing his spiritual rights and growth receives Eid with a victorious spirit. The Muslim who faithfully observes the duties which are associated with Eid is a triumphant one. He proves that he holds a strong command over his desires, exercises sound self-control and enjoys the test of a disciplinary life. And once a person acquires these qualities he has achieved his greatest victory because the person who knows how to control himself and disciplines his passion is free from sin wrongdoing, fear and cowardice, vice and indecency, jealousy, greed, humiliation and all other causes of enslavement. Let’s reflect soberly on this festive occasion and bury our individual and collective differences. Eid Mubarak.
