Eid prayers were offered in hundreds of thousands of prayer places and mosques across the Kingdom. Here is a gist of sermons delivered in the Two Holy mosques and the grand mosque of Riyadh. Makkah The Eid Al-Adha prayer in the Masjid Al-Haram was led by Sheikh Saleh Bin Muhammad Aal Talib. He reminded pilgrims to glorify Allah during these blessed days in accordance with what Allah has ordained and the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) upon the understanding of the pious predecessors. He said the purpose of Eid was to recognize and thank Allah for the bounties He blessed us with. Aal Talib said Islam is submission to Almighty Allah, obeying Him, worshiping none but Allah alone, and not associating anyone with Him. In other words, Muslims should make sure they avoid Shirk. He reminded that the teachings of the Qur'an and the Sunnah stress moral excellence, good manners and safeguarding society's and individuals' rights. People should be kind and obedient to their parents, keep in touch with their relatives, greet people and keep away from harming or annoying others. The Islamic teachings stress the spreading of love and harmony and warn against cheating, envy and backbiting. Aal Talib said there were lessons to learn from Haj especially on Islamic brotherhood, and to unity despite the difference in races and languages. There is nothing to distinguish people except by virtue of their being conscious of Allah by observing Taqwa and doing good deeds. He said the Ummah is in dire need for ties of brotherhood and unity among them. There is a need that Muslims unite under one message and goal, spreading good faith towards one another. He warned against conflicts and differences and pointed out that the worst kind of discord is to differ on religion. He stressed that Islam came as a mercy for the entire mankind, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Not only this, but Islam teaches us to be kind to animals, birds and the natural things. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to visit the sick among the Jews and accept their invitations. The Shariah has protected the rights of non-Muslims killed by mistake, as blood-money has to be paid. Madina In the Prophet's Mosque, Sheikh Ali Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Hudhaifi led the Eid prayers. He said every nation (Ummah) has an Eid, which has its objectives and purpose. Eid purifies the hearts and brings people together for a good purpose. The Eid is a blessed day, which Allah named as “Yawm Al-Haj Al-Akbar” as most of the Haj rites are on this day, he added. Sheikh Al-Hudhaifi advised Muslims to be kind and obedient to their parents, visit and maintain ties with their relatives, be kind to their neighbors, and care for their rights. He urged Muslims to have good manners while dealing with people. __
