Eid Mubarak and a Happy New Year!

Today is Eid-ul-Adha or as it is commonly known in Malaysia, by different names - Hari Raya Aidiladha, Hari Raya Korban or Hari Raya Haji.

Celebrated on the 10th of Zulhijjah - the last (12th) month of the Muslim calendar - it marks the end of the haj pilgrimage period in Mecca. Performing the haj is one of the five basic tenets in Islam, which is compulsory for those who are physically- and financially-able. Eid-ul-adha is also the time to reflect on the sacrifices ('korban') done by the Prophet Ibrahim who demonstrated unfaltering faith and dedication when he was put to the test by God.

The test involved the sacrifice of Prophet Ismail, one of the sons of Prophet Ibrahim, following a commandment from God to perform the rite. As the narrative goes, when he was about to strike his son, God stopped him and disclosed that it was merely a test of his faith. God then asked Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice a ram instead.

Following the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim and as a symbol of his sacrifice, Muslims the world over partake in sacrificing four-legged animals (which must first meet a number of strict requirements to be slaughtered) - only if they can afford to do so - and thereafter a substantial portion of the slaughtered meats is given to the poor. In a true sense of the word 'Korban', the pilgrimage to Mecca also signals individual sacrifices by solely concentrating on the ritual acts of Haj and the remembrance of God. On another level, Muslims in general take this time to also 'sacrifice' or resolve to shed off certain bad habits, undesirable behaviors and material belongings.

Also, this year, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, we are blessed with two Hari Raya Haji-s which fell last January and today.

Today is also aptly the last day of 2006.

I would like to wish my fellow Muslims - family, friends and acquaintances - Selamat Hari Raya Haji, and to all, a Very Happy New Year. May all your resolutions, wishes and hopes come true in 2007.

Auld Lang Syne everyone!