Hazrat Ameer Prof. Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed Pasha Sahib's Eid-ul-Azha Message for the Jamaat (Movement) (1st February 2004) [in English]:

 

"The months of the pilgrimage are well know; so whoever determines to perform pilgrimage therein there shall be no immodest speech, nor abusing, nor altercation in the pilgrimage. And whatever good you do, Allah knows it. And make provision for yourselves, the best provision being to keep one’s duty. And keep your duty to Me, O men of understanding." (The Holy Quran, 2:197)

 

Millions of Muslims will be visiting the Holy city of Makkah to perform the Hajj (pilgrimage). It is a time to reflect how Muslims from all over the world gather in one place irrespective of their nationalities, colour, caste or creed. It is a time when Islamic brotherhood is seen as the people of the entire world pray and perform their pilgrimage together. No one is bothered by who is performing his or her devotion next to him or her. The institution of Hajj in Islam is a lesson of unity and brotherhood to all mankind irrespective of their religious beliefs. It however is a pity that the lesson of tolerance learnt in these days spent together is soon forgotten on return from Hajj. It is the need of the time to reflect on the spirit of Hajj and bring the lesson of unity and tolerance back with us as we return from the Holy Pilgrimage. This will make the world a better place to live and help remove the stigma that the action of a few has placed on the face of Islam. Let us return from Hajj with a resolve to practice Islam as a religion of tolerance and peace. As we slaughter the animals to demonstrate our submission to the will of Allah, let us also slaughter the animal that abides within our hearts; the animal that leads us to hatred and aggression against our fellow beings.

I wish you all a very Happy Eid-ul-Adha.

[signed]

Professor Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed