Dear members, Assalamu 'Alaykum, Eid brings us altogether. Breaks the old hatred and purifies our hearts and elevates our spiritual condition. It is a gift from Allah, a celebration and festival for the great achievement of Allah's Messenger, Ibrahim (Alayhis salaam, peace be upon him). He was tested by Allah to sacrifice his own son Ismail (Ishmael). This was indeed a great test from Allah to see his submission and reaction to the commandments of Allah. He did not dither, he accepted and submitted to Allah's (God's) order. This submission is the very essence of Islam, that is to submit to the injunctions of the Main Law Giver, Allah. He passed the test. Instead, a heavenly lamb took Ishmael's place and was sacrificed in his lieu. Eid al-Adha is a party thrown by Allah Ta'ala for this great achievement, the self-sacrifice for his Lord's pleasure.Ibrahim (Alayhis Salam) is a good role model for us. Every intellectually capable person must reflect on the prophet of Allah's (Ibrahim's) life and learn to self-sacrifice in His name and submit to all laws of Allah, the Great and the Absolute Supreme Being, the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe. After resolving to submit oneself to the commandments of Allah, the first and foremost act is to offer prayers (salaah) five times a day as Islam has prescribed them to all its followers of all races. If one is nota ble to pray standing, then one can offer his prayers sitting, and even on his bed if his severely ill. Prayers occupy an important position in Islam as it is the essence of one's obedience and submission to the injunctions of Allah Let us make this our New Year resolution and build our life on this and other commands of Allah. This kind of resolution will definitely yield benefits both in this world and the next. May Allah keep us steadfast in His religion, Islam. Ameen.