Sermon: Sacrifice is an act of faith, ethical responsibility, and social solidarity

(Patria) - In all mosques across Bosnia and Herzegovina and the diaspora today, on the occasion of the upcoming Eid al-Adha, a unified sermon by the Religious Affairs Directorate of the Islamic Community in BiH was held on the significance of sacrifice and the obligation to fulfill this religious precept.

The sermon in Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque in Sarajevo was delivered by hafiz Hamza-ef. Lavić, assistant imam of this mosque, who stated that sacrifice is "an act of faith, ethical responsibility, and social solidarity".

He reminded the present believers of the obligations of performing Hajj and sacrificing an animal, emphasizing that sacrifice is a spiritual act that carries a deep message of believer's humility, but also social responsibility.

In the sermon, he specifically explained the organized system of animal sacrifice through the Islamic Community, emphasizing that this is an opportunity for all believers to fulfill their duty in a credible and prescribed manner.

– The Islamic Community has once again this year enabled Muslim men and women who are unable to personally fulfill the prescribed duty of sacrifice to do so in their name in a Sharia-compliant manner. All Muslims in our homeland and diaspora communities are given the opportunity to fulfill this religious duty at a precisely determined time, in a Sharia-compliant and completely transparent way – said Lavić.

He also emphasized that this approach strengthens the local economy and contributes to social good, especially since the sacrificial animals are purchased from local producers and returnees.

– Sacrifices are purchased in the homeland, from honest hosts and returnees in the smaller entity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. In this way, we support and strengthen sustainable return and the domestic economy – stated Lavić.

Furthermore, he added, the meat from the sacrifices is distributed according to a procedure that mandates the highest veterinary and hygiene standards, as the fatwa of the Council of Muftis on mandatory diagnostic examination of livestock intended for sacrifice is consistently implemented.

He stressed that there is no doubt that such an organized system of offering sacrifice is, in terms of worship, absolutely valid, multiply fruitful, and socially beneficial.

– By paying for sacrifices for the needs of the Islamic Community, we help the most vulnerable categories of society in our immediate neighborhood. Unfortunately, although we are most obliged to help our closest neighbor and those in need, we sometimes unconsciously overlook and forget them, supporting parallel activities far from our homeland – said Lavić.

Similarly, he explained, thanks to the sacrifices that the Islamic Community procures, sacrifices, and distributes in an organized manner during the days of Eid al-Adha, the work of hospitals, soup kitchens, student dormitories, and homes for the elderly and infirm is supported.

– Let us develop awareness of the deep meaning of sacrifice that characterized Abraham and his son Ishmael, peace be upon them. Without sacrifice, based on pure monotheism and submission to God's commands, without sacrifice offered by a heart filled with fear and hope, there is no divine redemption for the trials of humankind, nor well-raised and blessed offspring – said Lavić.