“Indeed, God commands justice, doing good to others, as well as courtesy to close relatives. He forbids indecency, wickedness, and aggression. He instructs you so perhaps you will be mindful.” (16:90 )            “For every day on which the sun rises, there is a (reward from God) for the one who establishes justice among people.” (al-Bukhari)            “And thus have We willed you to be a community of the middle way, so that [with your lives] you may bear witness to the truth before all humankind. . .” (2:143)            “Dispensers of justice will be seated on pulpits of light beside God.” (Muslim)            “Do not spread corruption in the land after it has been set in order. And call upon Him with hope and fear. Indeed, Allah’s mercy is always close to the good-doers.” (7:56)           “Even an ant in its hole and fish (in the depth of water) invoke blessings on someone who teaches people goodness.” (al-Tirmidhi)            “O believers! Remain conscious of God, and be with those who are truthful in word and deed.” (9:119)           “God does not judge you according to your bodies and appearances, but He looks into your hearts and observes your deeds.” (Muslim)            “The parable of those who spend their possessions for the sake of God is that of a grain out of which grow seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains: for God grants manifold increase unto whom He wills; and God is infinite, all-knowing.” (2:261)           “Charity does not diminish wealth.” (Riyadh al-Salihin)            “Let there be a group among you who call ˹others˺ to goodness, encourage what is good, and forbid what is evil-it is they who will be successful.” (3:104)           “Avoid cruelty and injustice...and guard yourselves against miserliness, for this has ruined nations who lived before you.” (Riyadh al-Salihin)            “Do not forget to show kindness to each other. Surely God observes your actions.” (2:237)           “(Allah) has revealed to me that you should adopt humility so that no one oppresses another.” (Riyadh al-Salihin)            “It is We who sent down this Reminder (al-Quran) and it is We who shall preserve it.” (15:9)           “The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it (to others).” (al-Bukhari)            “So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me.” (2:152)           “There are two blessings that many people lose -- health and free time for doing good.” (al-Bukhari)            “Say: 'O My servants who have transgressed against your own souls, do not despair of God's mercy, for God forgives all sins. It is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'“(39:53)           “Happy is the man who avoids dissension, but how fine is the man who is afflicted and shows endurance.” (Abu Dawud)            “And you love wealth with immense love.” (89:20)           “Being rich does not mean having a great amount of property, but (it) is being content (with what one has).” (al-Bukhari)            “Every soul is held in pledge for its deeds.” (74:38)           “Make things easy and convenient and don't make them harsh and difficult. Give cheer and glad tidings and do not create hatred.” (al-Bukhari & Muslim)           

Muslims Celebrate Eid Al-Adha With Sacrifices Of Their Own

With nearly 50 percent of Michigan residents vaccinated for COVID-19 and pandemic restrictions lifting, communities are returning to traditional forms of holiday celebrations. But for the second year in a row, an important Islamic tradition has been curtailed worldwide by the pandemic.

For Muslims following the lunar calendar, July 11 marked the first day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, Arabic for “The Month of the Pilgrimage.” This is the time when it is customary for Muslims around the world to make the Hajj — the pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam.

This month also marks the annual celebration of Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, which begins at sunset on July 19 and ends on the evening of July 23. Eid al-Adha honors the willingness of Ibrahim (known to Christians and Jews as Abraham) to trust in Allah (God), who commanded him to sacrifice his son, Ismail (Isaac). Similarly, Jews and Christians believe in this story, as written in the Old Testament’s Book of Genesis.

Traditionally, those of faith celebrate Eid al-Adha by attending mosque for morning sermons and prayer.

The five-daylong Hajj is one of the largest gatherings in the world, bringing as many as 3 million to 5 million people to the cube-shaped Kaaba, the metaphorical house of God, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, Saudi officials limited the pilgrimage this year to 60,000 vaccinated people ages 18 to 65 and living in Saudi Arabia. Last year, only 10,000 Saudi residents were permitted to make the Hajj.

“The decision affects nonresidents of Saudi Arabia who desire to perform their once-in-a-lifetime obligation, however, it won’t affect the Eid celebration,” says Troy resident Steve Mustafa Elturk. “Millions of Muslims across the globe will celebrate the Eid as usual.”

Elturk, who serves as president and imam, the religious leader for the Islamic Organization of North America in Warren, says Muslims believe that people are born into this world sinless — that it is when we grow up that people become sinners. The idea behind the pilgrimage is to perform penance for one’s sins. Every able-bodied Muslims who can afford it is expected to make the Hajj trip to Mecca once in their lifetime.

“The wisdom behind any pilgrimage is revitalization of faith and renewal of covenant,” Elturk says.

As we move out of pandemic shutdown, mosques are returning to tradition with people standing shoulder to shoulder again in prayer. Those who are not vaccinated are still adhering to the CDC’s social distancing measures, but no one is checking vaccination cards, Elturk says.

As the story goes, just as Ibrahim was about to slaughter his son, an angel replaced Ismail with a ram and told Ibrahim that he had fulfilled God’s commandment and passed the test. From then on, Ibrahim’s obedience to God has been celebrated with pilgrimage and feasting.

“This service typically revolves around pilgrimage and the legacy of Ibrahim,” Elturk says. “Then that same day, some Muslims go out to farms and sacrifice an animal.”

Commonly sacrificed animals include sheep, lamb, cows and camels. After the animal has been sacrificed, meat is distributed equally among family, friends and the less fortunate members of the community.

It is considered an essential practice to chant the takbir — the Arabic phrase “Allāhu ʾakbar,” meaning “Allah is the greatest” — before the Eid prayers on the first day and after prayers throughout the four days of Eid.

Elturk says it is common throughout the Middle East for Muslims to take four days off work to visit with family and friends, but those in Western societies generally take only one day off work.

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