WITH a focus on brotherhood, the needy and the vulnerable in society, Muslims countrywide yesterday observed the “festival of sacrifice” or “festival of feast,” known as Eid-ul-Adha.Groups of people, many considered less fortunate, flocked various masjids as the three-day commemoration began with prayers yesterday; the following days will be filled with socialising, good foods, and presents for Muslims countrywide.

At the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), hundreds participated in the slaughtering of animals and sharing of the meat to the poor and needy, friends and family members.

The most important part of this auspicious holy day is that it is a day of reflection; it is a day of re-dedicating one’s life to the service of the Creator and Sustainer of this universe.

Imam Haleem Khan told this publication that Eid-ul-Adha is a time for Muslims to learn the value of self-denial by making a sacrifice of the things loved to God Almighty.

“Prophet Abraham’s great act of submission is thus regarded solely as an example of genuine surrender to the will of God, and is to be followed as such. Today, more than ever, human beings need to incorporate the lessons of this great sacrifice into their lives,” Khan explained.

The Imam further explained that Qurbani offers lessons to all persons aspiring to become leaders, or who are already leaders. Any leader, he said, must display the character of the great Prophet Abraham, especially Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice everything he loved for the ultimate hereafter. Khan said no one can be blessed with leadership if he displays no feeling, care and love for his fellow human beings.

Adding that Muslims need to create an inner environment of peace and faith; of tranquility, non-violence, and security, Khan emphasised: “Let us not forget our poor and needy brothers and sisters as we observe this festival by sharing our sacrificial offerings with them. It is our sincere hope and prayer that we are able to affirm the unity possible among Muslims, and between Muslims and other religions.

“We face the challenges of living in a globalised world, where there is greater alienation and distance between classes of individuals based on economics and education. We must work hand in hand with people who have faith in the essential goodness of humankind,” Khan declared.

According to the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC), “it is a day of understanding that, in order to effect any change in our community, society or the world at large, we have to start first by changing ourselves. When we are going to sacrifice an animal, we must understand that we are going to sacrifice our evil inclinations and deeds at the same time. By doing the sacrifice, we are pledging to make a change for the better of ourselves, our families, our communities and our country.”