"When comes the Help of Allah, and Victory, And you do see the people enter Allah's Religion in crowds, Celebrate the praises of Your Lord, and pray for His Forgiveness, For He is Oft-Returning (in Grace and Mercy)". (Al-Quran: 110:1-3)

Every Hajj season has its unique ways to be commemorated. The year 1421H / 2001G is no exception. While nobody denies the many concerns over the current temporal condition of the Muslims throughout the world, on a broader scheme, the Divine Message is far more prevalent today than it was during the past century. A shining light full of hope has risen and a good seed has been planted. The fruit may not fully mature for few more generations, but the Islamic Renaissance has already developed to a point of no return.

This celebration is NOT based on the fact that in a world of more than 5 billion people, only Muslims are successfully able to unite annually, creating the largest human gathering on earth in Makkah, for indeed, Islam values quality, not quantity.

Instead, the justification for this invitation to commemorate Eid al Adha stems out of the concrete indices that Muslims have significantly impacted the world in relating the Divine message. On the ideological front, Islam is the fastest growing religion in all the corners of the world in spite of the enormous anti-Islamic propaganda. On the economic front, Islamically compliant transactions are gaining momentum, threatening the existential foundation of the unjust Riba-based institutions. On the political ground, Muslims have responded to the oppression of the "most modern armies" & humbled them. On the social front, the Ummah has increasingly showed signs of unification, extending generous help to people in need worldwide.

It is no longer a question of perception of a cup being half-full or half-empty. The cup is full, but there is an entire barrel to fill-up. The progress on the Islamic front is real and concrete. It is David defeating Goliath, Jesus turning the tables against the money exchangers, and youth relying on stones for bullets and yet implanting fear in the hearts of the oppressors. The road to peace and justice is still long but real and must be