Wednesday, January 19, 2005

Celebrating the Great Festival of the Sacrifice

More information on the Sacrifice holiday that begins tomorrow. Remember to pray throughout the next few days that they will be drawn to the ultimate sacrifice.

"Those who believe in Islam are enjoined to follow five pillars. These are a statement that there is no other god but Allah and Muhammed is the messenger of God; prayer; giving alms; fasting and the pilgrimage.

The pilgrimage probably wasn't incorporated into Islam until three or four years had passed and it became obligatory for a Muslim at least once in his lifetime to visit Mecca"

"The meaning of the sacrifice was Ibrahim's willingness to slay his son at the will of Allah and the believer had to be willing to give up what he held dearest. It is seen as a refusal on the part of Muslims to engage in idolatrous sacrifice, an offering of thanksgiving to Allah and a reminder to share whatever blessings one had with others who aren't as well off as they are. Since these sacrifices are carried out throughout the world at the same time, it has a unifying effect for Muslims everywhere that they are participating in a joint ceremony and celebration."
Turkish Daily News

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