Sacrifice, the virtues and deeds of Dhul-Hijjah, Eid al-Adha and our responsibilities ;;; Sacrifice is an important act of worship in Islam, which is performed every year on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. This act commemorates the great sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), and through it Muslims try to gain the pleasure of Allah. Sacrifice is also mentioned in the Holy Quran, as Allah Almighty says: "And We have appointed for every nation a way of sacrifice that they may sacrifice in the name of Allah." (Surah al-Ma'idah) The reward of the one who sacrifices receives countless rewards from Allah. This act is a means of getting closer to Allah. Dhul-Hijjah is the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, which is the month of Hajj and Eid al-Adha. There are many virtues of this month; such as the Day of Sacrifice, i.e. Eid al-Adha, is celebrated on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, which is considered one of the *most beloved days to Allah*. Hajj is obligatory for Muslims in this month, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a worship that brings all Muslims together in one place. The intention for sacrifice must be pure. The condition for the sacrificial animal is that it is healthy and full of age. The animal must be slaughtered in the name of Allah. The sacrificial meat is divided into three parts: one part for the family, one part for friends and relatives, and one part for the needy. It is recommended to fast the first nine dates of Dhul-Hijjah, especially the Day of Tarwiyah (8 Dhul-Hijjah) and the Day of Arafah (9 Dhul-Hijjah). During these days, one should make as many supplications and remembrances as possible. If possible, perform Hajj, which is the special act of this month. Eid al-Adha is an important occasion for Muslims, which conveys a message of sacrifice, sincerity, and renewal of collective responsibilities. On this occasion, we must take care of some important responsibilities; such as the purity of the *intention* when sacrificing. The purpose of sacrifice is not only to slaughter the animal, but also to seek the pleasure of Allah. Choose a healthy and quality animal for sacrifice. The sacrificial animal should be at least one year old. Arrange to divide the sacrificial meat into three parts: one part for the family, one part for relatives and friends, and one part for the poor and needy. This act instills a sense of *collective responsibility*. Share happiness with those around you on the occasion of Eid. Including people in the joy of Eid increases love and unity. Performing the Eid al-Adha prayer in congregation is an important act. It gives us a sense of unity and brotherhood. On this occasion, pray to Allah and seek His blessings. This is part of our spiritual training. After the act of sacrifice, examine your intention. Did we sacrifice for the sake of Allah? This is an opportunity to examine our actions and try to become better in the path of Allah. Eid al-Adha not only teaches us a lesson about sacrifice, but it also makes us realize our responsibilities to help each other, increase love and brotherhood, and improve our spiritual state. This Eid reminds us that we are all one Ummah and we have to walk together. Overall, we can say that Hajj and Eid al-Adha hold an important place in Islamic culture. Both these rituals convey a message of not only spiritual but also social and communal unity, a message of love and brotherhood. It reminds us that we are all one Ummah and we should help each other, no matter where we are in the world. This message is especially important in today's era, when there is an atmosphere of sectarianism and division in the world . Written by Shumaila Sultana Rajpoot !