Editorial
Eid ul Azha is one of the most important festivals/obligations in Islam. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to Allah (God). However, Allah intervened and provided a ram for Ibrahim to sacrifice instead of his son.
The purpose of Eid ul Azha is to celebrate the submission and devotion of Ibrahim and Ismail to Allah, and to remind Muslims of their own duty to obey Allah in all aspects of life. It is also a time of charity, generosity, gratitude and forgiveness. Hence, submitting to the will of Allah is the fundamental purpose of the Eid.
How can One Submit to the Will of Allah?
It simply means to confirm & recognize that Allah is one. There is no GOD except him.Then, obeying all His commands to lead an individual & collective life is essential part to submit one self to the will of Allah.
The meat of the sacrificial animals, usually sheep, goats, cows or camels, is divided into three equal parts. One part is for the family who offers the animal, one part is for their relatives and friends, and one part is for the poor and needy. This way, everyone can share in the joy and blessings of Eid ul Azha. Practicing this distribution scheme is vital for meat, as there should always be special care for the part of meat meant for needy. For, friends & relative’s part, it is also important to provide meat to needy people.
Eid ul Azha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijja, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It also marks the end of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca that every able-bodied and financially capable Muslim should perform at least once in their lifetime. Lastly, team republic policy extend heartiest felicitations to Muslims across the world. Eid Mubarak!
