The Muslim Youth League (MYL) said Eid-ul-Adha is a time for Muslims to learn the value of self-denial by sacrificing much loved things to God Almighty.

In a press release the MYL said the underlying importance of the festival is the spirit of sacrifice (qurbani) in memory of the Prophet Abraham’s great act of faith many centuries ago. “Prophet Abraham’s great act of submission is thus regarded solely as an example of genuine surrender to the will of God” and today more than ever human beings need to incorporate these lessons into their lives, it said.

According to the MYL persons who aspire to become leaders need to follow closely the prophet’s example as Abraham demonstrated faith in God and thus became an example of faith among men and the father of the faithful. “God approved both his faith and trust and accordingly decreed that those who had faith like [him] were to become his sons and be blessed like him,” the release said. The group said the world presents difficult choices and persons can be guided by their willingness to turn to God. Then and only then will we feel content in our choices,” it said.

The release said Muslims need to create an inner environment of peace and faith, of tranquility; non-violence and security and then they will be able to find solidarity and foster cooperation by supporting one another. “We are to let everyone know the true basis of Islam, its real values, its true principles, its way of life based on pluralism, democratic principles, faith, and mutual respect,” the release said.

Eid-ul-Adha is one of two great festivals Islam celebrates annually. The first festival, Eid-ul-Fitr, follows the month of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Adha occurs about two months later when an animal is sacrificed to commemorate the steadfastness of the Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael, the release said. This festival, incorporated in the great pilgrimage to Mecca is observed across the Muslim world at the same time.