Congratulatory Message of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Leader of the Nation, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon on the Occasion of Eid al-Adha
26.05.2026, Dushanbe
Dear compatriots,
I sincerely congratulate all of you on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.
I wish each of you good health, happiness and peace in your homes, tranquility and prosperity.
Eid al-Adha is one of the most important rites of the sacred religion of Islam and possesses many spiritual virtues.
It strengthens friendship and mutual affection among people, promotes moral values, encourages good deeds, respect for parents and elders, support for the poor and needy, as well as moderation and prudent spending.
In other words, this holiday is not only a religious rite, but also an important opportunity for performing virtuous and charitable deeds.
On the day of Eid al-Adha, the people of Tajikistan, in accordance with the Hanafi school of thought, perform three main acts: first, they offer prayers for the deceased; then they visit parents, the sick, those in need, and families in mourning; and those who have sufficient means perform the ritual sacrifice.
Sacrifice is an expression of care for one another, compassion toward orphans and persons with disabilities, and support for low-income families by those who have the financial ability and means to perform good deeds without hardship for their own families.
For those who do not have the means to perform the sacrifice, it is not obligatory.
In the Holy Qur’an, extravagance and unnecessary expenses that harm a believer and his family are strongly condemned and repeatedly mentioned.
In general, all commandments established by the Almighty for His servants correspond to the abilities and living conditions of human beings.
Verse 286 of Surah Al-Baqarah clearly states: “Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.”
Furthermore, under Islamic Sharia, the sacrifice of livestock may be carried out over the course of three days.
Therefore, it is not necessary to perform this rite on a single day amid overcrowding and disorder; rather, it is preferable for slaughtering to take place in specially designated areas in compliance with sanitary standards and regulations.
I would like to remind everyone that supporting the needy, orphans, persons with disabilities, low-income families, and the sick is not only a charitable act, but also a manifestation of true faith, high moral character, and social responsibility toward one another.
It should be noted that nearly two decades ago, our country adopted the national Law “On the Regulation of Traditions, Celebrations and Ceremonies in the Republic of Tajikistan,” which has played a significant role in organizing cultural events and preventing excess and wastefulness.
In accordance with this law, during celebrations and events, especially on holidays, we must observe thrift and moderation, avoid ostentatious extravagance, and not turn religious and spiritual rites—which call for charity and moderation—into displays of superstition and fanaticism.
Prudent use of resources and avoidance of unnecessary expenses enable families to devote greater attention to the education and upbringing of children, create better living conditions for family members, and improve household welfare.
We should not forget that the Almighty has placed benefit and well-being for humanity in all religious commandments, obligations, and rites.
Our respected compatriots are well aware of the unstable and crisis-ridden situation in today’s world.
In many countries, food products are becoming increasingly scarce each day, while prices continue to rise rapidly.
Under such circumstances, we must first and foremost focus on developing the national economy, making effective use of every piece of land, and creating two-year food reserves to ensure the needs of our children and family members.
We must act in accordance with current global realities, work harder, produce more goods, and ensure the food security of our country, which is one of our strategic national goals.
In this regard, I once again emphasize that Eid al-Adha is not a wedding celebration, but a religious rite and an act of faith that must be observed on the basis of moral values and with adherence to the principles of thrift and moderation.
Dear compatriots,
Islam is a religion aimed at the moral and spiritual education of humanity, whose purpose is to shape righteous, educated individuals possessing self-awareness and virtue.
The Prophet of Islam emphasized in an authentic hadith: “I was sent only to perfect noble character.”
Human morality and ethics, in turn, directly depend on knowledge, education, and the level of awareness of each individual.
That is why the first revealed chapter of the Holy Qur’an begins with a call to knowledge and enlightenment—with the command “Read.”
The Divine Word refers to worship and obedience around seventy times, but emphasizes the importance of knowledge, intellect, and wisdom 779 times.
All this demonstrates that the status of knowledge, science, enlightenment, and literacy before the Almighty is higher than any form of worship.
I once again stress that people must be able to distinguish genuine religious values from fanaticism and superstition, and this can only be achieved through education, enlightenment, science, and knowledge.
That is why the sacred religion of Islam elevates knowledge as the means to human happiness and clearly proclaims that acquiring knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim, whether man or woman.
In the Holy Qur’an, the Almighty says: “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?”
Indeed, the mission of all prophets and the essence of the teachings of all world religions are likewise to lead people toward happiness through knowledge, enlightenment, and high morality.
Dear compatriots,
We are currently in the period of preparation for the great national celebration—the 35th anniversary of State Independence.
In order to celebrate this sacred date worthily, every conscious and responsible citizen must contribute to strengthening the achievements of independence—peace, stability, political order, and national unity—and strive for the bright future of independent Tajikistan.
Independence is a great historical achievement, and its protection is the civic responsibility, human mission, and patriotic duty of each of us.
We must always be grateful that we live in a peaceful and prosperous country, in a free and sovereign state, and that thanks to our independence we have the opportunity to exercise our rights, freedoms, and religious beliefs.
Gratitude for independence and freedom should not be limited to words; it must be expressed through daily constructive actions and sincere service to the Motherland.
I am confident that the glorious people of our country will continue to make efforts, beginning from every home and every family, for the prosperity of our beloved Motherland, the protection of peace and stability, the strengthening of Tajik statehood, and the enhancement of Tajikistan’s authority in the international arena.
In conclusion, I once again congratulate all of you—the noble people of Tajikistan and our compatriots abroad—on the occasion of Eid al-Adha and wish you health, happiness, and prosperity in your homes.
May Eid al-Adha be blessed and joyful, dear compatriots!