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A time to do good

Oct 02,2014 - Last updated at Oct 02,2014

Eid Al Adha, which falls on Saturday, is the holiday of sacrifice, literally and figuratively, which this year assumes an even deeper dimension because of the proliferation of turmoil and hardships across the region.

Anywhere one looks, there are Muslims who will celebrate this year’s feast not in the traditional manner, by offering livestock as sacrifice to God Almighty, but through enduring suffering, deprivation and hardships.

The sacrificed sheep will surely feed millions of hungry Muslims, but cannot soothe the souls of people affected by wars, civil strife and acts of terrorism that are sweeping through the entire Middle East.

The rapid rise of radicalism, extremism and religious fanaticism in our region adds to the woes of Muslims, and projects a most negative image of a religion that preaches peace and coexistence.

This year’s commemoration of the Eid cannot be joyful as long the forces of evil and tyranny are spreading their malignant influence over Muslim countries.

The occasion should therefore be seized by mosque preachers who could lead the faithful onto the right path, explaining the true precepts of the holy book away from the false teachings of fanatics who use their followers to push sick, deadly agendas.

Moreover, since it is the feast of sacrifice, those who can should think of the needy amidst them, including the refugees the country received with open arms, and show true Muslim generosity.

Doing good deeds is part of the behaviour of any true believer. The Eid is one time when Muslims can show goodness and come to the help of those in need.

It should also be time to heed the true teachings of the Koran and come together to fight extremists who give a bad name to Islam.

Happy Eid!

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