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Dear John,
As the day of Arafa and Eid ul Udha approach, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on this special time of year for Muslims across the world. The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are some of the most blessed days of the year—culminating in the pilgrims congregating in Arafa on the 9th and making their last set of rituals around the Kaaba on the 10th.
The Day of Arafa is a momentous day for a number of reasons, but it also marks the anniversary of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)’s last sermon prior to his death. One of the major themes of the sermon that is more relevant now than ever: equality– between men and women, between all races and ethnicities– the human family.
This season is also time to remind ourselves of Abraham’s prayer for security and prosperity after building the Kaaba: Abraham prayed: 'O my Sustainer! Make this a land secure, and grant its people fruitful sustenance.' [Quran 2:126]
As we come together with our families and communities to reflect and commit ourselves to God, we value what the Hajj and Eid ul Udha are all about– our sacrifice to defend and support equality in the human family.
Another important reminder is that our zakat is intended to create a system of equity to help the underprivileged and to free anyone from any and all forms of tyranny and slavery:
'Alms are [meant] only for the poor and the needy, and those who are in charge thereof, and those whose hearts are to be won over, and for the freeing of human beings from bondage, and [for] those who are overburdened with debts, and [for every struggle] in God's cause, and [for] the wayfarer: [this is] an ordinance from God - and God is all-knowing, wise.' [Quran 9:60]
That’s why I’m asking you to support our 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah Giving Challenge today.
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