The spirit of Eid-ul-Azha
When Muslims assemble in the congregation of the day, they all whole-heartedly pray for forgiveness and strength of faith
Once again the Islamic calendar is getting to an end and Muslims the world over will be celebrating Eid-ul-Azha, the feast of sacrifice. The Eid-ul-Azha prayers are very important for Muslims. It also has the characteristics of the annual reunions of Muslims all over the world.
This re-union manifests itself in the annual pilgrimage to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina where over two million Muslims gather to perform the prescribed religious rites ordained by the Almighty Allah.
Eid-ul-Azha is celebrated on the 10th day of Zul-hijah, the last month of the Muslim year, following completion of the course of Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca), an extremely devotional course.
The celebration of Eid-ul-Azha is in commemoration of the command given by Allah to Prophet Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him) to sacrifice his first son, Ishmael to Him.
The fulfilment of this noble command of Allah by Ibrahim signifies the faith the prophet had in Allah. This display of faith is unmatched in the annals of religion.
Eid-ul-Azha is unique occasion in every way. Besides its highly spiritual and moral characteristics, it has matchless qualities. Each Eid festival is a wholesome celebration of a remarkable achievement of the individual Muslim in the service of Allah. Unlike the Eid-ul-Fitr, which comes after one month of absolute fasting in the month of Ramadan, Eid-ul-Azha marks the completion of the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca (Hajj), a course in which Muslims handsomely demonstrate their renouncement of mundane concerns and hearkens to the eternal voice of Allah.
Eid-ul-Azha is a day of remembrance. Even in the most joyful times, Muslims make a fresh start of the day by a session of congregational prayers to Allah in an open space.
Muslims use the occasion to pray to Allah and glorify His name, to demonstrate the remembrance of His grace and favours. Along with that course, Muslims also remember the deceased by praying for their souls to rest in peace. The needy and vulnerable in society are also remembered by showing them sympathy and consolation.
In sum Eid-ul-Azha transcends all limits and expands over the dimensions of human life. It marks a day of victory for the Muslim.
The day is also one of forgiveness. When Muslims assemble in the congregation of the day, they all whole-heartedly pray for forgiveness and strength of faith. And Allah has assured those who approach Him with sincerity, of His mercy and forgiveness.
It is hoped that this years Eid-Ul-Azha will bring about peace in Bangladesh and the world at large.
