Time to share blessings and joy!

Eid-ul-Azha reminds us of the significance of sacrifice, generosity towards the needy, and the spirit of submission to the Will of Almighty. The glorious episode of love that Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) beseeched for the Creator – as he went on to 'slaughter' his son, Ismael, in compliance with his prophesy dream – is a lesson in obedience and commitment to the commandants of Allah, and for inculcating a society that is selfless and puritan.

This is what the contemporary Muslim world needs. And the best way to pay homage on this day is to recommit ourselves to the teachings of Islam that call for erecting a benevolent society by shunning prejudice and embracing each other in pursuit of a monolithic community. That is how – through a gesture of cordiality and oneness – true salvation can be attained and socio-economic irritants can be overcome.

This year's ritual of Hajj has come on the heels of war and destruction in parts of the world, with the effects felt even farther and wider. And the fact that millions of people have still managed to pour over the holy land for circumambulating the Holy Kaaba is a blessing, indeed. Braving heat and odd conditions to seek divine blessings, the pilgrims have united to pray for global peace and harmony, and a world free from discrimination.

This Festival of Sacrifice is all the more important as it buoys inter-faith harmony in a world marred by wars, conflict, disharmony and hatred. The exemplary sacrificial deed of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) is eulogised and held in high esteem by three great religions of divinity – providing an opportunity for reconciling worldly differences and working together for bringing an end to poverty and parochialism.

Moreover, this is a day of joy for all. As the affluent make sacrificial offerings, they are under an obligation to share it with the poor and needy. This way they also realise the importance of economic disparity widespread in our midst, and learn why the Almighty has instructed us to care for the deprived segments of society. Pakistanis too must find a moment of introspection on this day, as our society is plagued by severe economic grievances, while persistent instability continues to exact a heavy toll.

The first small gesture of making a new beginning is to embrace each other, and take a leap forward in socio-political amalgamation. That would truly be in the spirit of the great sacrifice, as shunning ego-centrism and collectively working for an ordained society is, primarily, the true message of Eid. Reaching out to aggrieved and deprived sections of society, and pledging to do away with hatred and sense of otherness are indispensable gestures. Peers, parents and scholars must inculcate this message without failing. A very happy Eid Mubarak to our readers!