Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is an obligatory pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca that every able-bodied Muslim should perform at least once in their lifetime. Eid al-Adha is also known as the Eid of Sacrifice. It commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim^as, his wife Hajar^as, and their son Prophet Ismail^as.

The Holy Quran reminds us that the flesh and blood of the slaughtered animal do not reach God. Instead, the righteous intention of the person performing the sacrifice and his passion for fulfilling his duties to God and fellow human beings reach God. In other words, Eid celebration, Hajj pilgrimage, and the sacrificing of animals are not mere physical rituals that one should perform. Instead, they carry an inner spirit that draws man’s attention towards a greater motive which is to fulfil the responsibilities they owe to their Creator and fellow creatures. The physical rituals serve as a symbolic representation of those objectives and remind man of his purpose in life. This true spirit of sacrifice culminated in the person of the Holy Prophet Muhammad^sa, who dedicated his life, wealth and entire possessions to the cause of God and serving humanity.

Hence, while celebrating Eid al-Adha and performing physical sacrifice, a Muslim renews his pledge and declares his readiness to offer any sacrifice for the cause of God and the service of humanity.

On this blessed occasion of Eid al-Adha, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community India extends the message that we should sacrifice our personal desires for the greater good of society and should strive to fulfil the rights of others irrespective of religion, faith, colour or race. Only then can we say that we have fulfilled the purpose of celebrating Eid.

In Qadian, the Community’s national headquarters, social workers, politicians, as well as Hindu, Sikh and Christian brothers of the region joined in the happiness of Eid al-Adha and expressed their good wishes to the Muslims.

On this occasion of Eid al-Adha, we pray to God Almighty that He makes this Eid a source of blessings for the Muslim Ummah and enables us to fulfil our rights owed to Him and His creation.