Sir: With Eid ul Adha fast approaching and the Hajj underway, there are many preparations and excitement for the festival. Mehndi designs are being looked at while new outfits are being ordered and shipped just in time for the big day. However, in times like these of increasing conflict and turmoil, we may forget the spirit of sacrifice and meaning behind this celebration. As Muslims, are we being humble enough? Are we sacrificing enough for our fellow mankind? The atrocities we see in Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan and even the domestic turmoil within the United States, Canada, and Europe are significant. Sometimes, we choose to ignore these plights as we worry about ourselves in the present. However, in one way or another, we are all connected on this planet. While this seems heavy, we do have a responsibility to make a difference. The biggest way we can do this is by educating ourselves and using that to make a positive change — even if that is spending time with our Creator and asking for the well being of others in crisis be they in Syria or America. So this Eid, let us take some time to sacrifice our time to think of others and clear our minds of ignorance for a better world. SAIRA BHATTI Virginia, USA