Honourable senators, today, I rise to mark two occasions: Eid al-Adha, a sacred occasion that will be observed by 2 billion Muslims around the world tomorrow, and the holy day of Arafah that is being observed today, when pilgrims performing the hajj spend the entire day standing or sitting around the Mount of Mercy asking God for forgiveness.

This year, there are 2 million pilgrims visiting the holy city of Mecca for the annual hajj, one of the five Pillars of Islam. The culmination of the hajj is marked by Eid al-Adha, which literally means “Feast of Sacrifice.”

Eid al-Adha is a celebration that marks the test of faith of the prophet Ibrahim, who showed extraordinary courage and trust in a higher purpose, even when faced with great personal sacrifice. This is a story recognized by all Abrahamic religions, when the prophet Ibrahim — or Abraham, as he is called in the Torah and the Bible — was commanded to sacrifice one of his sons, either Ishmael or Isaac. This is a story that teaches us about the strength it takes to put our faith above all else.

Muslims around the world take this as an occasion to reflect on faith, sacrifice and solidarity. At its core, it reminds us of the importance of placing others before ourselves and choosing compassion over comfort and duty over convenience.

As parliamentarians, these are values we recognize well. We are called to serve, to listen, and often to make sacrifices on behalf of those we represent. Eid al-Adha offers us a timely reminder that leadership is rooted in service and true strength lies in humility and moral conviction.

This celebration also calls us to ensure that no one in the community is left behind. We share our blessings with those in need — neighbours, strangers and the vulnerable. It is a powerful expression of social responsibility and inclusive care.

In Canada’s richly diverse society, Eid al-Adha gives us the opportunity to recognize and honour the contributions of Muslim Canadians, who continue to enrich our communities and institutions, including our own, the Senate, where we now have six sitting senators who represent the almost 2 million Muslims in our country.

On behalf of my Muslim colleagues and fellow Senators Al Zaibak, Gerba, Mohamed, Ravalia, Yussuff and myself, Eid Mubarak. May this day bring peace to your homes, joy to your families and renewed purpose to us all. Thank you.