Eid-ul-Azha: A celebration of unity and sacrifice

Only one day is left to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha, the second most important religious festival of the Muslim Ummah.

This not only a day of joy and celebration, but it is also a unique teaching of sacrifice, humanity, compassion and social harmony.

The glorious example of that sacrifice was set by the beloved prophet of Allah, Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and his son Hazrat Ismail (AS).

The true lesson of this sacrifice is to abandon greed, jealousy, pride and animalism in the human heart.

Every year on the 10th of the month of Zilhaj, devout Muslims around the world sacrifice animals to commemorate that historical event of a test of deep love for Allah.

Keeping that memory in mind, every Muslims try to gain the pleasure of Allah through animal sacrifice.

This religious festival conveys the message of self-purification to the hearts of people.

It teaches people to devote themselves to the greater good by sacrificing their own interests.

At the same time, this festival further strengthens the bonds of equality, brotherhood and harmony in society, regardless of rich or poor, small or big, city or village.

In today’s world, when division, violence, intolerance and social inequality are increasing day by day, the teachings of Eid-ul-Azha are of great significance for humanity.

The word ‘Azha’ means sacrifice or dedication. Behind this festival in the history of Islam, there is a great event of self-sacrifice.

Allah Almighty ordered Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his most beloved object through a dream. In obedience to Allah’s command, he was eager to sacrifice his beloved son Hazrat Ismail (AS).

Eid-ul-Azha also plays an important role in the country’s economy. The rural economy is boosted by the sacrificial animal market.

Farmers, traders, transport workers, people from various sectors including the leather industry benefit economically during this time. Millions of families in Bangladesh are involved in raising livestock.

Their income increases during Eid-ul-Azha. Many small farmers raise livestock throughout the year and get the opportunity to become financially self-sufficient by selling during this time.

We should keep the true spirit of sacrifice in our hearts and ensure its practical application in individual and social life. May our lives, society and state be illuminated by the glory of sacrifice, human values and harmony.

May Eid-ul-Azha become an inspiration for establishing peace, equality and human welfare. May Eid-ul-Azha be joyful for everyone.