29th June 2023 / 10th Dhu al-Hijjah 1444
In the Name of Allah (SWT), the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.
Dear Community members,
Salamun Alaykum,
Once again Allah (SWT), in His Infinite Mercy, has blessed us with the joyous occasion of Eid al-Adha. I take this opportunity to wish you and your families on behalf of The World Federation a very happy Eid Mubarak.
Throughout the sacred journey of Hajj, countless Muslims transcend their disparities of race, caste, economic status, nationality, and sectarian beliefs, converging in a harmonious pilgrimage. Clad in humble, identical white garments, they symbolize unity, erasing any visible distinctions among them. This powerful display imparts a valuable lesson—we, as Muslims, must steadfastly unite, extend compassion to others, exhibit love within our families, remain mindful of Allah (SWT) and His chosen emissaries, propagate the teachings of Islam, and ardently strive for the betterment of humanity.
We extend our heartfelt wishes to the community members who were fortunate to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage this year, and we pray that Allah SWT accepts their devout acts of worship, while anticipating the opportunity for many more believers to embark on this sacred journey in the coming year. Likewise, those who spent the day of Arafat in Kerbala exemplify remarkable determination and solidarity towards a shared objective. These experiences underscore the essence of community and the sacrifices necessary for the collective welfare.
On this auspicious day of Eid, let us seize the opportunity to reflect upon the profound lessons of obedience, surrender, and service. As mentioned in the Holy Qu’ran, the real philosophy and objective behind the Qurbani is:
لَنْ يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِنْ يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنْكُمْ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ سَخَّرَهَا لَكُمْ لِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
“It is not their flesh or their blood that reaches Allah. Rather it is your God wariness that reaches Him. Thus has He disposed them for your benefit so that you may magnify Allah for His guiding you. And give good news to the virtuous.”
(Qur’an – 22:37)
Eid encompasses far more than mere festivities; it serves as a profound occasion for introspection, embodying virtues such as compassion, brotherhood, generosity, devotion, and humility. Through these noble actions, we not only engage in celebration but also experience genuine joy and fulfillment. The happiness derived from such endeavors surpasses the transient pleasures of the material world, as it emanates from the deep contentment that fills our souls when Allah (SWT) blesses us for our efforts.
As we navigate through a period of uncertainty, marked by potential economic difficulties that affect the lives of numerous individuals, the lessons imparted by Hajj assume great significance. The pilgrimage teaches us the virtues of perseverance, fortitude, and unity as we confront the trials set forth by Allah SWT, akin to the remarkable resilience displayed by Prophet Ibrahim (a), Bibi Hajra, and Prophet Ismail (a). It is through the process of undergoing tests that a person’s character and spirituality are elevated. As a community, we have repeatedly demonstrated our unwavering determination, largely rooted in our profound faith and adherence to divine principles.
As the conclusion of the Hijri Year 1444 approaches, I would like to express my utmost gratitude for the remarkable success of the ‘1444 – The Year of the Qur’an’ announcement. Throughout this period, we witnessed the launch of various Qura’nic Challenges, encompassing Hifdh, Quiz, and Expressions, which garnered a wealth of submissions from participants spanning across the globe. On the auspicious day of Eid al-Adha, we will announce the results of the Hifdh challenge, followed by the announcement of the Qur’anic Expressions winners on Eid al-Ghadeer. We extend our sincere appreciation to all participants and their families for fostering a profound love for the Qur’an within their communities. Furthermore, we featured a special series called ‘Qur’an Connection’, which presented concise videos on the art of learning from the Qur’an and drawing inspiration from our revered Masumeen (a). Watch the Qur’an Connection Series by clicking below:
