Aidiladha: Appreciate meaning of sacrifice, says PM

Najib Razak says Muslims must learn from the story of sacrifice in the Quran, which also touches on the determination and courage of the prophets Ibrahim and Ismail.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Najib Razak has urged Muslims in the country to mark the Aidiladha celebration this year as a starting point to motivate themselves towards improving the virtue of self-sacrifice.

The Prime Minister said they should learn from the story of sacrifice in the Quran, which also touches on the determination and courage of the prophets Ibrahim and Ismail.

“This is the spirit we should have in facing our struggles,” he said in a message in conjunction with the Aidiladha celebration via his blog at www.najibrazak.com.

Najib pointed out that performing the deed of sacrifice (korban) was not just a mere ritual, as it also put into perspective the sacrifices that a Muslim needed to make in life, setting aside self-interest and personal demands.

“Sacrifice requires perseverance and it should start with ourselves. This is what we learn from the history of Prophet Muhammad, which inspires and strengthens us in our struggle to develop this beloved country,” he said.

He encouraged the people to fight and sacrifice for the nation’s future, and build a more advanced and progressive Islamic state based on the objectives of the shariah.

The Prime Minister also said he and his family prayed for the wellbeing of Malaysian pilgrims in the Holy Land, so that they could safely complete their Haj.

“As for the rest (Muslims who have not gone for the Haj), let us join them (pilgrims) in performing prayers and the deed of korban.

“Let us also take the opportunity of these blessed days to pray for the welfare and continued wellbeing of our beloved country,” said Najib.

Muslims in the country celebrate Aidiladha tomorrow.