With the arrival of Eid al-Adha, joy and happiness filled the hearts of citizens in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who expressed their profound happiness to Al-Youm newspaper on this great religious occasion. This joy was not limited to the festive atmosphere of Eid alone, but extended to include pride in the resounding success of this year's Hajj season, which is a culmination of the tremendous efforts exerted by the wise leadership in serving the pilgrims and providing them with every means of comfort and safety.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the two major festivals in Islam, marking the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam. Its origins trace back to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God's command, followed by God's provision of a ram as a substitute. This occasion embodies profound values of sacrifice, obedience, mercy, and social solidarity, strengthening the spiritual bonds between Muslims worldwide. It is a time for reflection on the meaning of faith and spiritual renewal, and a reminder of the importance of giving and mutual support.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring that millions of pilgrims can perform their rituals with ease and safety. From the moment pilgrims arrive, all governmental, security, and health sectors work together to provide a comprehensive system of services, including meticulous logistical organization, securing roads and holy sites, providing advanced healthcare, and offering guidance and awareness programs. These efforts reflect the Kingdom's profound dedication to serving Islam and Muslims and underscore its global leadership in managing this massive annual gathering of people.
In this context, many citizens expressed their deep appreciation for these efforts. Salem Al-Assaf stated, “During these blessed days, we all feel proud of the great success achieved during this year’s Hajj season, thanks be to God. The tremendous efforts and exceptional organization reflect the stature of this blessed nation and the keenness of its wise leadership to serve the pilgrims in the best possible way.” Ahmed Al-Assaf added, emphasizing, “This great success was achieved thanks to God and then to the blessed efforts exerted by our wise leadership to serve the pilgrims, enabling them to perform their rituals with ease, security, comfort, and peace of mind.”
The joy of Eid is embodied in numerous social and spiritual traditions, beginning with the Eid prayer, which unites Muslims in close rows, reflecting their unity and harmony. This is followed by visits to family, relatives, and friends, exchanging greetings and blessings in an atmosphere of love, affection, and kinship. These moments restore warmth and serenity to hearts and strengthen family and community bonds. Yasser Al-Eid says, “The joy of Eid begins with performing the Eid prayer, followed by gathering with family, loved ones, and parents. This blessed occasion remains a beautiful opportunity to strengthen kinship ties, foster family gatherings, and bring together those near and far in an atmosphere of joy, love, and affection.”
For his part, Abdullah Al-Hammadi pointed out that “Eid days carry the most beautiful meanings of love, tolerance, and kinship. Visiting parents and exchanging greetings and well-wishes among everyone are among the most prominent manifestations of Eid joy; these are moments that bring happiness to hearts and give Eid a special, unforgettable character.” These family and social gatherings are not merely a tradition, but rather the essence of Eid, which renews bonds, strengthens the social fabric of Saudi society, and reflects its authentic values of solidarity and compassion.
At the conclusion of these celebrations, citizens expressed their deepest gratitude and appreciation to the wise leadership. Saad Al-Subaie prayed, “We ask God to protect our Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and to perpetuate security, stability, and prosperity for our nation, and to reward them abundantly for their tremendous efforts in serving Islam and Muslims.” These prayers reflect profound loyalty and belonging, and underscore the Kingdom’s pivotal role in serving the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims, thus reinforcing its position as the heart of the Islamic world.
