We begin by expressing our praise, thanks and gratitude to Allah, Rabb al-Hidayah (the Lord of Guidance), for having guided us to celebrate ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā today in unison and solidarity with the pilgrims (hujjaj). By celebrating ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā the day after these blessed hujjaj have paused and stood on the sacred plains of ‘Arafat (wuquf al-`Arafah) we are giving this great day of happiness and joy its true meaning and significance.

In the same way that ‘Id al-Fitr is inextricably linked with fasting in Ramadan, so too is ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā inextricably linked with the fifth and final pillar of Islam, the hajj. Celebrating ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā is one of the most significant ways in which non-pilgrims (ghair al-hujjaj) can participate vicariously and share in the great blessings of the hajj. It is only within the context of the hajj that the real meaning and significance of our celebrations and joyful festivities of this day can be understood and truly appreciated.