On the eve of one of the two most important Muslim holidays, Eid-al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, Bosnia’s Grand Mufti called for a spiritual revival of Muslims in a year of “great temptations,” when pilgrim paths are closed.

“Let’s make the first steps on a path of self-reflection and self-criticism. Let’s not look for the weaknesses of others but let’s focus on our own weaknesses,” Grand Mufti Husein Kavazovic said in his message to believers on Thursday, ahead of Eid-al-Adha.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Muslims could not do the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, which is prescribed as one the five obligations of Muslims. Only a small number of pilgrims were allowed to enter Saudi Arabia this year.

“These days of the Hajj we will remember by the fact that after decades, our pilgrims were not able to join there other Muslims in the world,” Kavazovic said and called instead for people to recognize their own weaknesses.

The main holiday prayer should be performed according to instructions from health authorities, he said.

“Do not allow this disease to ruin our joy,” he said, recommending rigorous protection measures while sharing the joy of the holiday with other people of the book.