This week sees two significant dates for the Muslim faith and I find myself reflecting once again on the deep meaning behind this special time for Muslims around the world. 

First, on Thursday 5 June is Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca that brings millions of Muslims together in spiritual unity.  

I have been fortunate to experience Hajj, and it remains one of the most powerful and humbling journeys of my life. The rituals of Hajj include Tawaf, which involves circling the Kaaba, a stone building at the centre of Islam’s holiest site in Mecca, seven times in a counterclockwise direction, symbolising the unity of believers in worship and the centrality of God in their lives; Sa’i sees pilgrims walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah following in the footsteps of Hagar and commemorating her desperate search for water for her son Ismail; and The Day of Arafat, the most essential part of Hajj, where pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat in Mecca seeking forgiveness and spiritual renewal.   

This is followed, on Friday 6 June by Eid al-Adha, which commemorates the story of Prophet Ibrahim, whose unwavering faith and willingness to sacrifice his son demonstrated the highest form of submission to God’s will. At the moment of sacrifice, Allah’s mercy intervened, replacing his son with a ram. This story is not simply about sacrifice but about the strength of trust, devotion, and surrender to the divine.  

One of the most important aspects of Eid al-Adha is the act of Qurbani—the sacrifice of an animal to remember Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to give up what he loved for the sake of Allah. The meat from this sacrifice is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for friends and neighbours, and most importantly, one part is given to those in need.  

This act of sharing ensures that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can partake in the joy and blessings of Eid. For me, this distribution is a powerful reminder of compassion and community—values that lie at the heart of our faith. It is a time to extend kindness beyond our own homes and remember those who need support the most.  

Eid al-Adha reminds us that we belong to a global community—united by shared faith and values. Through prayer, charity, and kindness, we participate in a tradition that connects millions of hearts around the world.  

Many students and colleagues may be away from their families at this special time for our faith, feeling the distance keenly. It is a moment to pause and reflect on our own lives. What are we willing to sacrifice for our beliefs? How do we embody trust, compassion, and service in our daily actions? For those of us in academia, these questions resonate deeply as we strive to grow intellectually and spiritually and extend our knowledge to others.  

May we all take this time to reflect on the true meaning of sacrifice and faith beyond the rituals themselves, and consider the sacrifices we make to uphold integrity, foster understanding, and build stronger communities.  

Eid Mubarak to those who celebrate.   

Dr Javed Bashir is a Senior Lecturer in Policing at Leeds Trinity University.