The Message from the Imam Khatib of Tokyo Camii, Muhammet Rıfat Çınar,
regarding Eid Al-Adha
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
It was the second year of the Hijrah. Our Prophet (saw) would celebrate ‘Eid al-Adha with his Companions for the first time. Qurbani would be performed, and believers would rejoice in unity and solidarity as they celebrated ‘eid. The joy and excitement of the ‘eid surrounded everybody. The Messenger of Allah (saw) greeted his Companions when he arrived at the masjid. After offering thanks and praise to Allah (swt), he (saw) said, “The first thing to do on this day is to perform the ‘eid prayer, then we will return and slaughter our sacrifices. Whoever does so then indeed has followed our sunnah.”
Qurbani is more than just sacrificing an animal; it is a quest for piety and becoming close to Allah (swt). It is a symbol of purely and sincerely turning towards al-Rahman. It is a manifestation of the love for Allah and a sign of sacrifice in the way of Allah.
‘Eid al-Adha, on the other hand, is granted to Allah the Almighty to His pious servants. It is His (swt) offering for those equipping themselves with the Prophet Ibrahim’s (as) faith, Hajar’s (as) loyalty, and the Prophet Isma’il’s (as) patience and submission.
The days of ‘eid are the days to give out and share in the way of Allah (swt). The sıla-i al-Rahm is the essence of the ‘eid. The days of ‘eid are exceptional times when the brotherhood in faith peaks. The days of ‘eid are the days of enhancing our sense of being an ‘ummah.
I would like to take this opportunity to pray to Allah the Almighty (swt) to make the ‘Eid al-Adha conducive to calmness for our souls, barakah for our homes, and peace for our country and the Islamic world. ‘Eid Mubarak; I wish you all a happy ‘Eid!
Muhammet Rıfat Çınar
Imam Khatib of Tokyo Camii