Editorial
Eid-ul-Azha
Its true spirit should not be lost on us
Eid-ul-Azha, the second biggest festival of Muslims, will be celebrated in the country tomorrow. People look forward to the day with a sense of anticipation and prepare themselves to celebrate it in a befitting manner. Eid-ul-Azha has great religious significance as it coincides with Hajj -- the largest congregation of Muslims from all over the world. It is an occasion for both celebration as well as introspection as Eid-ul-Azha reminds us of that supreme sacrifice that Prophet Ibrahim (SM) was ready to make to honour divine wishes. It was an event that taught the followers of the prophet that all earthly possessions were subservient to the pronouncement of the Almighty, and also that the only way to attain spiritual purification was to accept it unconditionally. It was a triumph for all believers as the prophet demonstrated that he could sacrifice even his beloved son if that is what the Almighty wanted him to. Unflinching loyalty got the better of infinite love. Eid-ul-Azha takes us to the domain of spiritual elevation where the need for surrendering to the wishes of the Almighty is emphasised symbolically Eid-ul-Azha like all other festivals of Muslims also conveys the message of equality and brotherhood -- the fundamental teaching of Islam. For, on the day, the differences and social divisions are forgotten as people embrace each other in a mood of joy and happiness. The day begins with people sacrificing animals which is a religious rite commemorating the event that saw Prophet Ibrahim (SM) finally undergoing the much less severe test of offering an animal as sacrifice. The message of Eid-ul-Azha has become all the more relevant in a world where absence of peace and stability is being felt acutely. Muslims will be praying for the welfare of mankind at large which is still continuing its quest for a just world order, social justice, equitable distribution of wealth, and so on. Eid Mubarak to all our readers, patrons and well wishers.
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