Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuhu
Alhamdulillah, Thumma Alhamdulillah. We praise and glorify Allah Almighty, the Lord of Might and Glory that we shall be commemorating the Eidul Adhia.
On Friday 26th October 2012, Muslims across the Gambia celebrated the Eidul Adhia in remembrance of the sacrifices of Prophets Hadhrat Ibrahim and Hadhrat Ismail (peace be upon both of them) and Sayyedah Hajerah (may Allah Almighty be pleased with her). It is a moment for self-reflection and assessment.
These three devoted servants of Allah Almighty are spiritual signs for every spiritual migrant to Allah Almighty. When Hadhrat Prophet Ibrahim and his son Hadhrat Prophet Ismail (peace be upon them) were rebuilding the Ka’abah, these were the prayers of Prophet Ibrahim (as): And (remember the time) when Ibrahim and Ismail raised the foundations of the House (praying) “Our Lord, accept this from us; for thou art All-Hearing, All-Knowing. Our Lord, make us submissive to Thee and make of our offspring a people submissive to Thee. And show us our ways of worship and turn to us with mercy; for Thou art Oft-Returning with compassion and Merciful. And, our Lord, raise up among them a Messenger from among themselves who may recite to them Thy Signs and teach them the Book and Wisdom and may purify them; surely, Thou art the Mighty, the Wise” (Surah Baqarah Ch. 2: Verses 128-130).
The prayer of raising from among his progeny through Hadhrat Prophet Ismail (as) a Messenger was fulfilled in the person of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw). He showed mankind the Signs of Allah Almighty, taught them the Holy Book and Wisdom and purify them from all forms of moral and spiritual filth. He found mankind in the worst of moral and spiritual conditions and moulded them into friends of Allah Almighty. He is the only unbreakable link between man and Allah Almighty because he is closest to Allah Almighty and his soul overflows with love for humanity. For the sake of Allah Almighty’s Unity, he endured every suffering at the hands of his enemies. The persecution of his enemies did not deter him from showing them love and affection.
He preached and practiced peace. As the Head of Madina, he treated all with love and justice including Jews and Christians. He respected the honoured personages of other people and detested the use of abusive language. He gave every section of society its due; he said that he who does not recognise the rights of children does not belong to his community. With regards to women, he said that they must be treated with delicacy and voices should not be raised against them. He even said that Paradise lies under their feet. What a great honour he has given to women for practical emulation of governments, organizations and the entire humanity!
Without the advent of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw), the world would have remained spiritually dark. This day would not have been celebrated without the Messenger whose appearance was prayed for by Hadhrat Prophet Ibrahim (as). It is the Messenger of Allah Almighty, Muhammad Mustafa (saw), who brought to light the sacrifices of these three great people. As we remember these people and celebrate the day, we must also always invoke blessings upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw). We must live by his teachings in letter and spirit. Allah the Almighty commands us that we must hold unto whatever the Messenger (saw) gives us and abstain from whatever he forbids us.
The purpose of the animal sacrifices that we make on this day is the attainment of the nearness of Allah Almighty. According to Allah Almighty it is not their flesh that reaches Allah Almighty but it is the spirit of righteousness that reaches Him. The sacrifice also teaches us that we must submit wholly to Him and His cause. On this day the poor, needy, and orphans should be specially treated and served.
The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad Mustafa (saw) has taught us the manner of celebrating the feast of sacrifice (Eidul Adhia). We must follow his example. Anything we do in celebrating this day must be based on the fear and love of Allah Almighty. Righteousness should always governour thoughts and actions.
His Holiness, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V (ATBA) Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Supreme and Spiritual Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at is conveying EID MUBARAK, salaam and prayers to everyone. He is always praying for the peace, progress, security and prosperity of the country. On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at the Gambia, I am extending EID MUBARAK and prayers to all of you.
May Allah Almighty make us shining examples of the blessed and peaceful teachings of Islam. May He continue strengthening mutual love and peace among us. May He make us submissive to Him like the trio we are remembering and accept our humble sacrifices and reward everyone abundantly. May He establish lasting peace, love and harmony in our dear country the Gambia. Ameen.Wassalam
