The Ameer and Missionary-in-Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana, Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, has called on Ghanaians, especially the youth, to embrace the principle of sacrifice as a divine and indispensable ingredient for success in life.
Delivering a powerful sermon during this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebrations in Accra, the Ahmadīyya leader, Maulvi Salih declared that “the act of sacrifice is the silent partner behind every successful endeavour,” and emphasised that true achievement in life — whether spiritual, academic, or personal — demands effort, discipline, and the courage to make difficult choices.
A template for obedience and endurance
Drawing from the story of Prophet Abraham — the origin of the Eid-ul-Adha commemoration — Maulvi Salih recounted how Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his beloved son Ismael without hesitation became a profound act of obedience that won the pleasure of Allah.
He reminded worshippers that Abraham’s gesture was not in vain; Allah, in his mercy, substituted the child with a ram, a miracle that Muslims all over the world continue to commemorate through the annual Eid sacrifice.
“As a reward for the genuine sacrifice Abraham made, he became the father of prophets, and his progeny were blessed abundantly,” Maulvi Salih said.
Youth urged to embrace the hard road to greatness
In a special message to Ghana’s youth, the Ahmadīyya leader urged them to pursue greatness with the understanding that the journey is rarely smooth. “Whether we aspire to excel academically or personally, we must realise that greatness does not come without effort,” he said.
He encouraged the younger generation to brace themselves for the rigours of life by embracing sacrifice, not only in material terms such as wealth and time, but also in energy, discipline, and focus.
“Those who have achieved extraordinary possessions did not do so by resting on their laurels but did so through persistent efforts and hard work,” he noted.
Real sacrifice demands selflessness
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission leader Maulvi Salih cautioned against what he termed “token acts” of giving, urging Muslims to understand the depth and sincerity required for a true act of sacrifice. He dismissed the notion that sharing leftovers with the poor constitutes real sacrifice, stating:
“Giving out your leftover food to the poor, which would have been thrown away, cannot be called sacrifice. Real sacrifice is when you share a part of your meal with the poor person even though the food was just enough for you only, and yet you willingly share.”
He explained that such meaningful sacrifices draw humanity closer to Allah and distinguish worship from mere charity. According to him, sacrifice in Islam is not just a ritual but a powerful act of worship rooted in sincerity and love for God and humanity.
Success requires wakefulness and resilience
In concluding his sermon, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission leader called on Muslims to stay “awake” — mentally, emotionally, and physically — in order to overcome the many distractions and trials that hinder success.
“The journey to success is often lonely and demanding. It requires resilience. If you want to reach the pinnacle, you must stay awake and committed,” he told congregants.
He encouraged all faithful to take inspiration from the spirit of Eid-ul-Adha by renewing their devotion to God, committing to moral excellence, and remaining ever ready to make sacrifices in pursuit of divine and worldly fulfillment.
The Eid-ul-Adha celebration, which marks the culmination of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, continues to serve as a spiritual reminder of faith, obedience, and the virtues of giving up what is most precious in the sight of God.
