Assalamu´alaikum,

We wish all our Muslim families & mates, wherever you are, a very Happy Idul Adha. In Arabic they say: Eid Mubarak! May you continue to experience the benevolence of God in your journey of renewal of the heart and mind. May your strong call to serve humanity, on this Day of Eid, be answered, in yourselves and in others...

Here is just a little story for anybody from any religion or faith who is interested in the religious story of this holly day:

Millions of Muslims have congregated once again in the holy city of Mecca today to perform the haj. The festival of Idul-Adha is held on the 10th day of this month (Zulhijjah) when pilgrims sacrifice an animal at the mount of Mina, near the Kaaba. It is believed that on this mount Abraham was about to sacrifice his only son Ismael for his love of God. But God sent a lamb for the sacrifice instead. The day also marks the end of human sacrifices for the Semitic race, making it clear that the only sacrifice required by God is the surrender of the ego and will. The single cube-shaped shrine of the Kaaba situated in the heart of Mecca in the Arabian Desert from times unknown is considered sacred as the home of Ismael and his mother Hajra who were given shelter at the Kaaba.

In Australia we celebrate it today. This morning the Eid prayer was offered at 7:30AM at our Townsville Mosque. On Friday evening we will be having little celebration together with the rest of the Muslim community in town. While Eid is a day of much rejoicing and happiness, this year Muslims especially in Indonesia are offering special prayers for all the Tsunami victims...

Have a blessed Eid celebration. May God bless you and guide you all the year through. Amien.

Warm greetings from sunny Queensland & wassalam,
Sulis & Wolf