Dear compatriots,
Tomorrow we will celebrate the radiant holiday of Eid al-Adha.
I sincerely congratulate all of you on this great holiday and wish your families peace and tranquility, abundant blessings, and divine mercy.
The cultural and spiritual meaning of Eid al-Adha reflects the depth of faith and devotion to the Almighty. Its essence and philosophy lie in valuing one another, showing love and brotherhood, striving for unity and renouncing discord, respecting elders — especially parents — and expressing gratitude for life and all the blessings of peace and stability.
Eid al-Adha is also a time of comfort and compassion for orphans, the underprivileged, the sick, and those in need.
It is during these days that those who are well-off and able should first and foremost care for their loved ones and support those in need — the lonely, the ill, and the grieving.
In the Hadiths of the Prophet of Islam, it is stated that the day of Eid is a time of joy, forgiveness, and the cleansing of hearts from enmity, as well as a special opportunity to assist the poor, orphans, and people with disabilities.
The Messenger of Allah said: “The best among people are those who bring the most benefit to others. The worst among people are those who harm and cause suffering to others.”
It is heartening that today, many acts of kindness and mercy — helping the needy and supporting the poor — have become firmly established as good traditions that are increasingly taking root in the life of our nation.
Taking this opportunity, I would like to emphasize one important point:
The act of animal sacrifice — one of the Sunnahs of Eid al-Adha — is not obligatory for everyone, especially for those in need.
This good tradition is only for those who are not facing financial hardship in supporting their own family.
In other words, those who do not have sufficient means should not go into debt to perform the sacrifice merely out of good intention.
Islamic Shariah law condemns unnecessary extravagance and excessive spending.
Moreover, the Almighty did not create humankind to endure hardship and deprivation.
As I have said before, and repeat once again: Eid al-Adha is not about feasting, so there is no need to prepare lavish tables to celebrate it.
The essence of Eid al-Adha is participation in the holiday prayer, exchanging greetings, visiting parents, the elderly, and the sick, expressing condolences to the grieving, and, if possible, performing the sacrificial rite.
However, this applies only to those who have the means and can afford it without harming their family.
Let me emphasize again: Islam, Shariah, and the teachings of the Hanafi school disapprove of lavish feasts, ostentatious displays of wealth, and superficial appearances.
On this matter, one of the Hadiths of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) says: “Make things easy, not difficult. Give glad tidings, and do not drive people away.”
If each of us refrained from extravagance and vanity, and instead performed even one good deed — for example, helping an orphan, restoring the home of a family who lost their breadwinner, repairing a street in their neighborhood, or supporting a hospital, kindergarten, or school — it would bring great spiritual reward.
We must also remember that caring for the well-being of one’s family and children is itself a good deed of great spiritual value.
Sometimes, instead of performing another Hajj or Umrah, participating in charitable acts that are considered sadaqah jariyah — ongoing charity — may bring greater and more lasting reward.
This truth is emphasized hundreds and thousands of times in the religious and moral-philosophical heritage of our great ancestors.
Fortunately, in our society, there are many kind-hearted people seeking the reward of Allah who, having saved money for Hajj, instead use it to improve their homeland — building roads and bridges, medical centers, schools, kindergartens, and other vital social infrastructure.
They serve the people and future generations and undoubtedly earn great spiritual merit.
In this regard, each of us must deeply reflect on the essence and humanitarian foundation of Islam, resist extravagance and showy celebrations, and avoid unnecessary ceremonies and excessive rituals.
We must strictly adhere to the provisions and norms of our national laws — “On the Order of Conducting Celebrations and Rituals” and “On Responsibility for the Upbringing and Education of Children.”
In today's world, full of anxieties and challenges, we must daily offer thanks for having a homeland, an independent state, peace, and stability.
We must raise our children in this very spirit — with love for their native land, a sense of responsibility, and gratitude.
In the Holy Qur’an, the Almighty says:
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.”
We must cherish our independent state — a full member of the international community, actively engaged in solving global challenges of humanity.
That is why each of us must think in terms of the state, strive to strengthen our Motherland, and remember: we are only at the beginning of our statehood, only beginning to build our future.
We still face many unresolved issues and challenges that require unity, cohesion, honest and selfless work for the benefit of the people and the country.
We must ensure decent living, education, and upbringing conditions for our loved ones, especially our children.
We must raise them educated, knowledgeable, hardworking, with professions and skills, so that in this era of rapid scientific and technological advancement, they do not suffer hardship and become worthy bearers of the history and honor of the Tajik people.
May we live in such a way that our good deeds and bright memory remain forever in the pages of history — as a legacy for future generations.
I wish all of you — the noble people of our country — strong health, joy in your hearts, happiness, success in your endeavors, and above all — the great blessing of peace and tranquility!
May glory and prosperity be upon you, dear compatriots!
May you always be healthy and happy, dear compatriots!
