On Sunday, October 5, 2014, the Shia Muslim Council of Southern California (SMC) released a statement in celebration of Eid al-Adha:
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Eid al-Adha Message
(Ya Allah) help us to overcome this state of affairs at once. Disperse the ominous clouds hanging over our heads; lend a helping hand to achieve success; bring in the rule of justice and fair play.
It is with these inspired words taught by Imame Zamana (AFT), in Dua e Iftitah, on behalf of all of us here at the Shia Muslim Council Secretariat, that I greet you on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. This year this festival of sacrifice assumes a grave dimension as we continue to witness the trials and tribulations of the Muslim Ummah around the globe and especially in Iraq and Syria. The unending plight of countless men women and children unfolds before us each day as we continue to pray for peace and safety for our brethren in faith as well as our equals in creation.
As we celebrate this day with our families and friends, we must not forget our responsibilities towards one another. As we count our blessings on this auspicious day, we must also remember and pray for our brothers and sisters who are struggling and undergoing difficulties in different regions around the globe.
Eid al-Adha is a day which is celebrated with prayers and rituals performed by the pilgrims, following in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and offering a sacrifice of an animal to symbolize our devotion and obedience and true worship of Allah. May He accept our offerings on this blessed day. We also extend our felicitations to all those Hujjaj, including Hujjatul Islam Syed Moustafa al Qazwini, the President of SMC, who were fortunate enough to perform the Hajj this year. May they all return to their homes safely.
Allah says “So pray to your Lord and do sacrifice (to Him alone).” (Quran 108:2). This injunction requires both prayer and sacrifice. Pray in order to have your relations with your Lord strong; and sacrifice in order to be kind and charitable to all. Sacrifice means being conscious of one’s duties to one’s family, to the community and to humanity at large. It is in that spirit the Shia Muslim Council pledges to play its part serving our community and humanity and we look forward to do so through the goodwill and support of the Shia Community in Southern California.
I also ask that we remember those who celebrated Eid with us last year, but who are no longer with us today. May Allah answer our Du’as, and shower us with His infinite Mercy. Ameen.
Dr. Hasnain Walji
Vice President SMC.
Click here to download the original file in PDF fromat.