East African Gazette
Thousands of Muslims yesterday gathered in different Mosques across the World as they celebrate Eid Al-Adha
Eid Al-Adha is celebrated at the end of the Hajj or the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, Muslims all over honor the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. But, before Abraham could sacrifice his son, God provided a lamb to sacrifice instead.
In commemoration of this intervention, an animal is sacrificed and divided into three parts. One share is given to the poor and needy, another is kept for home, and the third is given to relatives.
In Uganda Eid Al-Adh started at exactly 9:00am and was led by the Mufti of Uganda Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje
In his message to Muslim believers, Mubaje, congratulated Muslims worldwide, and Ugandans in particular, on the successful celebrations of Eid Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, for the year 2024.
This feast originates from the profound devotion to Almighty Allah demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim, the Patriarch of Monotheism, who was willing to sacrifice his only son, Ismail, peace and blessings be upon them both. It also coincides with the annual pilgrimage to the Holy Kaaba in the city of Makkah, as prescribed by Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon Him.
Mubaje also urged Muslims to live righteously, be law-abiding citizens, and always strive to uphold the spirit of brotherhood among themselves while respecting people of other denominations. He also called on Ugandan Muslims to support the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council’s (UMSC) developmental programs. “UMSC is still in its infancy and progressing steadily despite challenges mainly caused by a few misguided individuals driven by selfish interests. We urge them to amend their ways; otherwise, we shall leave their case to Almighty Allah,” Mufti Mubaje remarked.
Mufti Mubaje further encouraged Muslims to embrace all government-designed social transformation programs aimed at alleviating poverty within communities, as long as they do not conflict with Islamic teachings.
He also congratulated Ugandan Muslims participating in this year’s pilgrimage to Makkah and prayed to Allah to bless and accept their devotion, hoping they return purified from all earthly iniquities. Lastly, he beseeched Almighty Allah to restore peace and stability to war-torn countries such as Palestine, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Ukraine, and many others. Earlier, Hon. Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General, addressed the congregation on the state of UMSC affairs and upcoming programs.
Sheikh Imran Ssali, UMSC Secretary for Religious Affairs and the day’s main preacher, delivered a powerful sermon on the theme of peace and tolerance aimed at community development.
“It is a great human virtue encouraged by Islam to erase social, cultural, and psychological problems such as hatred, tribalism, violence, and unnecessary anxiety. I implore you to be kind in your dealings with fellow human beings, the entire creation, and to be merciful, humble, and tolerant to one another,” Sheikh Ssali preached.
The large congregation included high-profile personalities such as UMSC heads of department, members of the National Executive Committee, General Assembly, diplomats, members of the Shurah Committee, government officials, and heads of international charity organizations.
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