The message read: “Eid-ul-Adha is a time for Muslims to learn the value of self-denial by a making a sacrifice of the things we love to God Almighty. Abraham’s great act of submission is thus regarded solely as an example of genuine surrender to the will of God and is to be followed as such. Today, more than ever, human beings need to incorporate the lessons of this great sacrifice into out lives.”

The message continued: “Qurbani offers lessons to all persons aspiring to become leaders. God had said to Abraham, ‘I have made you the father of many nations’. Because of his faith, God made him both a prime example of true faith among men and also the father of the faithful. God approved both his faith and trust and accordingly decreed that those who had faith like Abraham were to become His sons and be blessed like him. Therefore, any leader must display the character of our great Prophet Abraham, especially his willingness to sacrifice everything he loved for the ultimate hereafter. No one can be blessed with leadership if he displays no feeling, care and love for his fellow human beings.”

Hussain exhorted further: “The world in which we live faces us with difficult choices. Our guidance comes from our willingness to turn toward God and to find peace within ourselves. Then and only then will we feel content in our choices. Our global society could and should be an example of co-existence and cooperation, of mutual benefit and human concern.

Muslims need to create an inner environment of peace and faith, of tranquility, non-violence and security. Then we can hope to find solidarity and to create cooperation by supporting one another, standing by one another in what is good and right and needed for success, growth and sustainability. We are to let everyone know the true basis of Islam, its real values, its true principles, faith and mutual respect. Islam abhors and condemns terrorism and aggression, espouses peace and security and safety for all people regardless of nationality or religion or gender or race.