Thanks to the Gracious, we celebrate one of the most important festivals of Islam - Eid ul-Adha (Kurban bairam or Sacrifice Feast), also known as Eid ul-Kabir (Great Feast). It is a day of joy when everyone spreads happiness and prosperity. It is also the day to renew our faith. We remember this day when Allah commanded the Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to rebuild the Kaabah and cleanse it. We also recognize that more than 4,000 years ago, at the behest of Allah, Ibrahim invited people to perform a haji in Mecca. This pilgrimage did not stop and will not stay until the day of Judgment, for our Prophet Muhammed ﷺ renewed the same invitation.

We learn two most important lessons from a hajj trip. The first lesson is absolute faith in one God - Allah. The second lesson is the strength of the unity of the Muslim community. Only during the hajj are all nations united into one - everyone wears the same clothes and performs the same actions. We will not see the difference between rich and poor, between white and black. In the presence of Allah, we are all equal.

On this feast day, we remember the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismael (peace be upon them). Allah tested Ibrahim's faith with the hardest test. In their sincerity and complete obedience to the One Allah, Ibrahim and Ismael endured this ordeal, and Allah instructed them to offer a mighty ram, thus accepting their sacrifice. And it is this act of sacrifice that has been imitated by Muslims all over the world since then.

On this day, we remember the Last Sermon to Humanity given by the Prophet Muhammed ﷺ per through the hajj. It was his last sermon before his death. Thus, the Prophet ﷺ established human rights guidelines for more than one thousand four hundred years ago.

He ﷺ ​​said, "Your lives are forbidden to you, reverence and wealth, as this day (haji Arafat's day) is forbidden this month (dhul-hijja) in this city (Mecca)." How amazing to see Muslims celebrating Eid ul-Adha all over the world, but we must not forget our brothers and sisters who are less fortunate than us and who cannot celebrate because of war and other calamities. We must remember them, pray for them, and help with all our might.

On behalf of the LMRBT-Muftiate and from myself, I warmly congratulate you and all Muslims on this beautiful day-Eid ul-Adha (Kurban bairam). May the Highest give victory to our brothers and sisters around the world, and may Allah accept our good works. Ameen