“These are the Days of Eid – make takbir wherever you are … Allahu akbar!”

Muslims are now celebrating the blessed days of Eid ul-Adha, we are encouraged to raise our voices in Takbir – proclaiming “Allahu akbar” (God is the Greatest) – as a joyful and spiritual form of remembrance. This declaration reminds us of Allah’s greatness, mercy, and our gratitude for His blessings.

Greetings of “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Festival) are exchanged among Muslims worldwide. This warm and traditional expression captures the joyful spirit of Eid and is used during both Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha. Eid celebrations typically last for three days; days filled with worship, reflection, and unity.

Muslims around the world are celebrating Eid ul-Adha, one of the two official Islamic festivals in the year. It falls on the tenth day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This Eid is also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorating the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his unwavering obedience to Allah’s command.

We are all familiar with this powerful story – found in both the Bible and the Koran – where Ibrahim was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail (Ishmael). Such a test is unimaginable. How many of us could respond with the same trust and submission as Ibrahim?

Yet, Ibrahim did not hesitate. His faith (iman) was so strong, his love and loyalty to his creator so deep, that he submitted fully to Allah’s will. Because of his devotion, Allah, in His mercy, replaced Ismail with a ram, sparing the boy and rewarding Ibrahim for his obedience.

Eid ul-Adha reminds us of the power of faith, the importance of obedience, and the mercy of our creator. It is a celebration of trust in Allah – and a lesson that His rewards are beyond measure when we sincerely submit to Him.

May Allah grant us even a portion of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience, steadfastness, and unshakeable faith. Ameen.

Muslims mark this special occasion in multiple ways, including performing special Eid prayers in congregation.

They also traditionally sacrifice an animal (usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel), and distribute the meat among family, friends, and especially those in need – as both a charitable act and religious obligation; wearing their best clothes; sharing festive meals; spending time with family and loved ones.

Eid is a time to reflect on themes of faith, obedience, charity, compassion, and gratitude. It is a time of spiritual renewal and community connection.

Eid ul-Adha also marks the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage.

On the ninth of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat – also known as Jabal al-Rahmah (Mount of Mercy) – for the most important day of Hajj. More than two to three million Muslims from around the world, all races, all creeds gather in Mecca to perform the rituals of Hajj.

The pilgrims are dressed all the same, in simple white garments called Ihram, which symbolises the status of equality of all in the eyes of Allah. Wearing Ihram clothing is a physical and spiritual preparation to approach Allah with humility, sincerity, and full submission.

It is also a reminder of the day of al-Qiyāmah (Day of Resurrection) akin to Christianity's Day of Judgment. The day of al-Qiyāmah refers to the day when all human beings will be resurrected from their graves for judgment by Allah.

This day we will stand in front of God stripped of all worldly goods, our worldly wealth and status will not matter; only our deeds, good and bad will be of significance. We pray that our good needs will outweigh our bad needs. Ameen.

Hajj and the Day of Arafat are profoundly connected. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and Muslims are required to make the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. Special conditions do apply such as being financially able; ideally paying off all of one's debts, as well as being in reasonably good health.

Once the pilgrims reach Mount Arafat, there they spend the afternoon in deep worship, making du‘a (supplication), dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and seeking forgiveness. This ritual is called Wuquf (standing), and it is so essential that without it, Hajj is invalid.

Mount Arafat is the sacred mountain where Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) delivered his Farewell Sermon (Khutbat al-Wada‘) during his last Hajj. He passed away shortly after, leaving behind a legacy of guidance and justice that still resonates today.

The following key points of the Farewell Sermon are:

1, Sanctity of life and property: “Your blood, your property, and your honour are sacred – as sacred as this day, this month, and this city.”

2, Equality of all people: “All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab – except by piety and good action.”

3, Rights and respect for women: The Prophet urged kindness and fair treatment of women, emphasising their dignity and rights in marriage.

4, Prohibition of usury (interest): The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) declared all interest-based debts null and void, establishing justice and economic fairness.

5, Accountability and the afterlife: He reminded us that everyone will return to Allah and be accountable for their deeds – as death is certain.

6, Conforming to the Koran and Sunnah, never wavering from it's guidance: Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said "I leave behind me two things: the Koran and my Sunnah. If you follow them, you will never go astray."

7, Responsibility to convey the message: a duty each Muslim should carry out. Prophet Muhammad said: “Let those who are present convey this message to those who are absent.”

The Prophet's last sermon is a timeless declaration of human dignity, equality, justice, and faithfulness, and it remains a beacon of guidance for Muslims everywhere.

As part of our Eid reflections and community action, “One Bermuda Ummah” will be hosting a series of events this week focused on the current challenges facing Bermuda.

We will feature a guest speaker; a panel discussion with respected members of our community; open dialogue and brainstorming for solutions rooted in unity and justice.

We invite you to participate in this essential effort. Follow us on social media for updates on times, locations, and speakers. Let’s come together for the good of our island and its people.

As we celebrate, let us not forget the suffering around the world. Injustice, war, and genocide continue to claim innocent lives – and humanity itself is at risk. We must pray for an unconditional, permanent, and immediate ceasefire, and do what we can, however small.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” (Dr Martin Luther King, junior)

Eid is more than a celebration. It is a reminder of who we are, where we come from, and where we are going. May Allah accept our sacrifices, prayers, and efforts – and may He grant us all the faith of Ibrahim, the mercy of Ismail, and the guidance of Prophet Muhammad.

Eid Mubarak from all of us at the three Bermuda masjids, the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team and One Bermuda Ummah.

As-salaamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh (peace and blessings be upon you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam