Today, the Arab and Islamic world is celebrating the blessed Eid Al Adha. May this Eid bring joy, peace, and stability to the Arab and Islamic world, and may all of humanity experience peace and stability. Yesterday, approximately two million pilgrims gathered at the top of Mount Arafat, looking to the sky and calling upon Allah for forgiveness, peace, and prosperity.
During their time at the sacred site of Arafat, pilgrims take advantage of the great virtue of pilgrimage, reminding every Muslim to safeguard the five Islamic necessities: faith, life, intellect, property, and lineage. Eid is a time for Muslims to pray for the prevalence of stability and security and to help people achieve their religious and worldly aspirations.
Eid Al Adha, celebrated two months and ten days after Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is a demonstration of ritual devotion and worship to Allah. It is the day when Allah, the Almighty, boasts to His angels about the pilgrims at the holy place and time, doubling their virtuous deeds and forgiving their sins.
Eid is a joyous occasion where Muslims exchange greetings and blessings, pray for each other, and connect with relatives, friends, and acquaintances. In Qatar, the Eid celebrations are similar to those in other Arab and Islamic countries, with people exchanging greetings, visiting relatives, and offering Eid gifts (Eidia).
His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, exchanges greetings with leaders of Arab and Islamic countries on the occasion of Eid Al Adha. Top officials in Qatar also exchange greetings with their counterparts in the Arab and Islamic world, continuing the long-standing tradition that strengthens religious bonds.
H H the Amir also receives cables of congratulations from leaders of friendly countries and welcomes well-wishers at Lusail Palace on the first day of Eid.
While Eid is a time of joy and celebration, not every Muslim around the world can fully partake in the festivities. The ongoing suffering of Palestinians in the occupied territories casts a shadow over the celebrations. Many Palestinians are deprived of basic necessities such as food, medicine, and shelter, living as homeless people outside their destroyed homes. The plight of the Palestinians is a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by many Muslims, and it is during Eid that the global Muslim community prays for the people of Palestine in Gaza, who endure daily hardships and violence.
As we celebrate with our loved ones and give thanks for our blessings, let us also remember those who are less fortunate and pray for their peace and well-being. May this blessed occasion bring joy, unity, and prosperity to all, and may Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon us all.
