Subject: [Masjid Tucson] Submission weekly reminder

In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

Peace be upon you,

This week some traditional Muslims around the world will celebrate "Eid-ul-Adhaa" (festival of sacrifice). They offer an animal sacrifice on the same day that the Hajj pilgrims perform the rite of sacrifice (at Mina), assuming (incorrectly) that it is a religious duty.

Offering an animal sacrifice is part of the rites of Hajj. However, it is only a rite for those observing Hajj, not for non-pilgrims. Further, while observing a religious duty (e.g., the Contact Prayers or Fasting) is a great gift from God, non-observance of Hajj (or the Contact Prayers) does not merit congratulation or celebration. God willing, we can instead focus on the rites we are supposed to observe that day (e.g., Contact Prayers) and rejoice in remembering God (Quran 13:28).

                Livestock Offerings During Pilgrimage*
[Quran 22:33] The (livestock) provide you with many benefits for a period, before being donated to the ancient shrine.
[22:34] For each congregation we have decreed rites whereby they commemorate the name of GOD for providing them with the livestock. Your god is one and the same god; you shall all submit to Him. Give good news to the obedient.
...
[22:36] The animal offerings are among the rites decreed by GOD for your own good.* You shall mention GOD's name on them while they are standing in line. Once they are offered for sacrifice, you shall eat therefrom and feed the poor and the needy. This is why we subdued them for you, that you may show your appreciation. 
{footnote} *22:36 Animal offerings from the pilgrims conserve the resources at the pilgrimage site. Note that almost 2,000,000 pilgrims converge on Mecca during pilgrimage.


May God help us observe the Quranic verses, and not make innovations and (incorrectly) label them as religious requirements.

Peace.


References
Hajj Eid-ul-Adha festivity is not a religious requirement ( http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/questions/questions.html#oct2012_hajj )
Religious Duties: A Gift from God ( http://www.masjidtucson.org/quran/appendices/appendix15.html )
Hajj ( http://www.masjidtucson.org/submission/practices/hajj/ )