Unite for benignity

It's again time to smile and embrace each other. The festive occasion of Eid-ul-Azha that reminds of the gracious sacrificial spirit of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Ismael (AS) should come as an opportunity to cajole our lives in the spirit of submission to Almighty, trueness to humanity and eagerness to stand tall for the cause of compassion and benevolence.

This Eid that comes on the heels of one of the greatest Islamic rituals, Hajj – circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba – is also a reminder of selflessness and of how millions of Muslims from around the world travel to the holy lands and brave heat and odd conditions to seek divine blessings, meant to redirect their lives in all humility.

This year as the nation celebrates Eid, it should also reflect on the socio-economic and societal conditions around, and form a human chain to come to each other's redress.

Economic degeneration and political discord are two of the greatest challenges facing the nation, and this year the aggression from a warmongering eastern neighbour has brought to the fore as to how important is national unity, and how inevitable is seeking lessons from the great religion of Islam in the domains of sacrifice, national service and commitment to oneness.

The nation today must revisit the fundamentals of tender-heartedness and brotherhood. The lesson of sacrifice on this day teaches the indispensable virtues of obedience to divine commandments, as solicited and performed by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) by laying down his son to slaughter. All that he was exhibiting is his faith in Almighty, and establishing beyond doubt that submission to His will is ultimate.

The bounties that are served on this day must have a judicious and God-fearing dissemination among the needy. The spirit must be to ensure that all are in it, and none are ignored. This belief must persist throughout the year by upholding benevolence, helping overcome the prevailing sense of otherness so that benignity sets in, and discords and discriminations in society are done away with. A very happy Eid Mubarak to all readers!