The Sacrifice behind Eid-ul-Adha

 

Eid-ul-Adha (Bakr Eid) remains a profoundly sacred moment – the greatest Eid – which recalls an extraordinary story: that of the Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (as) and his son Hazrat Isma’il (as). Allah commanded Hazrat Ibrahim (as) through a vision to sacrifice his son, Hazrat Isma’il (as). Hazrat Isma’il (as) had not yet reached the age of puberty, yet at this tender age he accepted with complete submission that his father should sacrifice him by Allah’s command; Hazrat Isma’il (as) displayed unparalleled courage and faith. The Qur’an honours him in these words, where his sacrifice was immortalised: “When they both submitted (to Allah’s command) and Ibrahim laid him down upon his forehead, We called out to him: ‘O Ibrahim, you have indeed fulfilled the vision.’ Thus do We reward those who do good. Surely this was a clear test.” (As-Saffat 37: 104-107).

Trust in Islam

  

Trust – a real trust that is sincere, honest, and based upon Taqwa (the fear of Allah) – is a fundamental pillar in the life of a Muslim. In Islam, it is not a mere inner sentiment, but a spiritual path that connects the heart of the believer with Allah, and which gives him moral and social strength in his daily life. A believer is commanded to live with trust in himself, trust in his family and companions, and above all, absolute trust in his Creator – Allah, the One Who controls everything. Allah says in the Qur’an: “And whoever places his trust in Allah, He is sufficient for him.” (At-Talaq 65: 4). This verse clearly shows that trust in Allah is not an empty word, but a divine guarantee that opens the door to tranquillity and success.

 

Self-confidence, that is, when a believer believes in his own abilities, remains a necessary condition to progress in life. Without self-confidence, a person remains paralysed by fear and uncertainty. But Islam teaches that self-confidence must always be accompanied by the awareness that all strength and success come only by Allah’s permission. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “The strong one is not the one who overcomes others by his strength, but the strong one is the one who controls himself when he is angry.” (Bukhari, Muslim). This shows that true self-confidence is not found in physical strength, but in self-control, inner discipline, and in entrusting ourselves – all of us – entirely to Allah.

 

Trust in parents and in one’s surroundings also has great value. That environment must be worthy of trust. A society rests upon mutual trust; without trust, there is neither stability nor respect. In Islam, respect and trust towards parents remain a sacred obligation. Allah says in the Qur’an: “And We have enjoined upon man to treat his parents well.” (Al-Ankabut 29: 9).

 

But human trust, despite its importance, remains limited; absolute trust, the one that never disappoints, is trust in Allah.

Eid-ul- Adha Sermon 2025

Serious Advice for the Ummah

All of us today in our Eid Gah or in our Masjids are performing Salat-ul-Eid (Eid-ul-Adha) and listening to the Eid Khutba, while waiting for those among us who have the means to perform Qurbani today, just as Allah has commanded the believers who have the means and are not in debt to perform sacrifice in order to acquire His pleasure. Yes, of course, today is the greatest Eid for the Muslim Community; but in this moment of joy, in the Eid celebration, there is also sadness because of the division of the Muslim Ummah [Ummat-e-Muhammadiyya (pbuh)], a division which did not exist when our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was alive. Of course, he too went through troubling trials with his own disciples, especially with the hypocrites, but also with the adversaries of Islam who were constantly trying to overthrow Islam for their own benefit. Yet the Prophet (pbuh) taught an undeniable truth for the victory of Islam: the unity of his followers upon the path of Allah and strict obedience to his instructions.

 

In commemorating the sacrifice of our ancestors Hazrat Ibrahim (as), Isma’il (as) and Muhammad (pbuh), today more than ever, we must not forget those instructions.

New Year

   

As we have reached a new year, it is essential that we reflect profoundly upon the passage of time and our temporary stay in this world. Remember that time is among the most precious gifts granted by Allah, and it is a trust that cannot be reclaimed once it slips away. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. By time; indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience” (Al-Asr 103: 1-4).

 

This verse teaches us that every moment carries weight; if wasted, it leads to loss, but if invested in faith, good deeds, truthfulness and patience, it becomes a source of salvation. The beginning of a new year, therefore, should not be seen merely as a change of dates, but as an opportunity to renew our commitment to living with purpose, discipline and devotion.

Provisions for the Afterlife

 

Allah has warned us in several verses of the Qur’an that life on earth is only a temporary passage; it is a stop we make as travellers before heading towards our true destination, the Hereafter (Aakhirat). A person must understand clearly that his stay on earth is limited; and during this stay, he must live according to the principles firmly established by the Creator. Life on earth is a favour, a gift, but also a test. Every action, every word, every thought will be presented before Allah on the Day of Judgement. Allah says in the Qur’an:

 

“Kullu nafsin zaa‑iqatul mawt; wa innamaa tuwaffawna ujuurakum yawmal qiyaamah”

Every soul shall taste death, and it is only on the Day of Judgement that full recompense will be given. (Al‑Imran 3: 186)

Steps to overcome Addiction

  

Today, I address a matter that silently consumes lives, families, and societies – addiction. Whether it is tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or even excessive internet use, addiction is a form of slavery that chains the soul and weakens the body. It is a disease of desire, and its cure lies in faith, discipline, and sincere repentance.

About 20% of adults worldwide are addicted to tobacco, and millions more suffer from drug addiction. These habits destroy health, wealth, and spirituality. Islam offers powerful guidance to overcome them.

 

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 5 adults worldwide (about 20%) are still addicted to tobacco, despite global efforts to reduce smoking. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reports that millions are addicted to natural and synthetic drugs, with rising trends in synthetic opioids and stimulants.

 

These substances are not just harmful – they are deadly. Tobacco alone causes over 8 million deaths annually. Drugs lead to overdose, mental illness, broken families, and crime. Alcohol contributes to liver disease, violence, and loss of dignity. These are not just health issues; they are spiritual crises. Allah says in the Qur’an:

 

“Do not kill yourselves. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.” (An-Nisa 4: 30)

 

“They ask you about wine and gambling [which is also very harmful – an addiction]. Say, ‘In them is great sin and [some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.’” (Al-Baqara 2: 220)