Eid al-Adha is an celebration in commemoration of the command give by Allah to Prophet Abraham (may Allah be pleased with him) to sacrifice his first born son Ishmael to Him. The fulfilment <sic> of this noble command of Allah by Abraham signifies his faith. It is an occasion to reaffirm our sacrifice, trust and devotion to Allah and to express gratitude for His countless blessings and grace. It is a sincere thanks that means to acknowledge the true story of any event, and to repair any harm so that the walls built with anger and resentment brewing from within are removed from each others’ hearts — leaving the door open for God to heal the wounds and bond us together as a human family. The sacrificed animal (goat) is then shared in four equal parts between the poor, the needy, relatives and friends.

This day also coincides with Thanksgiving Day that is celebrated in United States of America and Canada and couple of European countries. Thanksgiving symbolizes the joy of loving, caring, sharing. It is all about togetherness and merry making. The festival stands for the ‘Oneness’ of people. It epitomizes peace, harmony and union. People world over thank the Lord almighty for all the blessings and material possessions bestowed on them.