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What sacrifice is all about

Aug 08,2019 - Last updated at Aug 08,2019

Eid Al Adha, literally the holiday of sacrifice, is upon us, and it is time to remind believers what the holy occasion truly means.

The holiday marks the end of Hajj, when Muslims from the around the globe flock to Mecca, the holiest place in Islam, for worship and meditation. Millions of Muslims perform this obligatory religious duty. Performing Hajj is also one of the five pillars of Islam that Muslims must perform at least once in their lifetime.

That said, as the name of Eid Al Adha says, it is the occasion to renounce worldly things for the less fortunate and the needy. Giving alms, food, shelter and even emotional comfort to the sick and wounded are also traditions of the religious occasion that true Muslims must observe.

True, many Muslims seize upon the occasion to indulge themselves in worldly pleasures, like buying new clothes, indulging in lavish meals or making trips to tourist spots within and outside the country.

Sheep are slaughtered in certain areas designated by municipal authorities, and most of the meat is given away to the poor. It is the spiritual dimension of the occasion, however, that counts most.

Muslims are called upon to reflect upon their deeds and their life on Earth. Muslims are supposed to become more spiritual during the four days of the holiday, with the hope this spirituality hangs on with them for the rest of the year.

Unfortunately, not all people remember the spiritual dimension of the holiday as they are often overwhelmed by material aspects.

 Yet, there is still hope that religious revival in its truest meaning would entail making the faithful more aware and mindful of the non-material dimensions of the occasion.

Jordan is home to millions of refugees, especially from Syria. We must make life more comfortable for them. Visiting refugees during the holiday would go a long way.

There are countless other disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people all around the country. We must all remember their plight and suffering and extend whatever Kindness we can to alleviate their suffering. That is what sacrifice is all about.

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