Minister Haji Kazim Hosein extends Eid-Ul-Adha Greetings

Minister Haji Kazim Hosein extends Eid-Ul-Adha Greetings

July 9th, 2022, Chaguanas – Assalamu Alaikum (peace be unto you). On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, I extend Eid Mubarak greetings to my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters both at home and abroad. May Almighty Allah (swt) accept our sacrifices and bless us with His mercy.

Every year on Eid–Ul–Adha, the greater of both Eids, Muslims across the world gather to mark the end of the holy pilgrimage, Hajj, and to give honour to the spirit of sacrifice. Eid–Ul–Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham’s (pbuh) unyielding commitment to his faith, through his willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael as an act of obedience to God’s command. Before he could carry out the sacrifice, Almighty Allah (swt) recognized his act of devotion and intervened, providing a lamb as an offering to take Ishmael’s place.

Muslims across the world celebrate the Adha, Arabic for “sacrifice,” by the slaughtering of an animal and dividing the meat into thirds – one for ourselves, another portion for family and a third portion for those in need. This act represents the key lessons of Eid–Ul–Adha– sacrifice, equality and charity. It is a symbol of the Prophet’s unwavering faith and devotion as demonstrated by his willingness to sacrifice his son, and a lesson that in giving selflessly, we are blessed by the Almighty.

Eid–Ul–Adha, Islam’s most revered observance, marks the climax of Hajj, the sacred journey to Mecca carried out by billions of Muslims each year. According to the Holy Qur’an 3:97 “In it are clear signs (such as) the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And (due) to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House (Holy Kabbah) – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.” Many of our fellow Muslims embarked on this beautiful journey on fulfilment of this pillar of Islam. Their journey of sacrifice and selflessness reminds us of the importance of obedience to the Almighty and one’s parents. It teaches us that sacrifice is a key aspect of spiritual development and in performing this act, we grow closer to the Almighty.

As a devout Muslim, the experience of Hajj is indeed a spiritual pinnacle in the life of every Muslim. It allows you to recognize the simplicity of devotion to Allah (swt) and inculcates into one the true meaning of sacrifice. In completing Hajj, one returns with a renewed faith and shares his journey as a testament of the teachings of the Holy Qur’an. As leaders and mentors, we have a duty to the younger generations to teach them the importance of hard work, humility, obedience, sacrifice and devotion. We must instill in them principles of kindness, charity and selflessness because they are the future of our beloved nation and we have to lead them on the right path; a path that puts Almighty God at the center of everything.

As we join with our families and friends, to celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha, I pray that Almighty Allah (swt) accept our prayers and sacrifices and bless us with His mercy, now and always. May He elevate our faith so that we become closer to Him. Ameen.

Once again, I wish to extend Eid-Ul–Adha greetings to the entire Muslim community both at home and across the world. Eid Mubarak!