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Moslems from Abubakar mosque gathering at Global High School for Eid El Adha celebrations. PHOTO: JOVITA HASTO
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By Jovita Hasto
Mbarara - Eid Al-Adha celebrations took place across the world yesterday as Muslims commemorated the sacrifice that Abraham was willing to make when he prepared to sacrifice his son, Isaac.
At Abubakar Mosque in Mbarara City, the celebrations attracted various people, including political and religious leaders, who gathered for prayers.
Imam Adam Habas, the spokesperson of the Mbarara Muslim Supreme Council and the leader of the Eid Al-Adha prayers, urged Muslims to show love by sharing with others.
He emphasized that Muslims should be ambassadors of peace and live harmoniously with non-Muslims.
“I urge all Muslims to spread love and peace on this day. Share meat with your neighbors, but do not become beggars. Work hard, because our religion encourages us to work and rise out of poverty,” he said.
Imam Habas also condemned acts of terrorism, stating that the Islamic faith does not promote such behavior. He noted that individuals who claim to be Muslims are often the perpetrators of such violence.
“We witnessed acts of terrorism during the Uganda Martyrs' celebrations in Munyonyo, where people claiming to be Muslims wore bombs targeting large gatherings. We strongly condemn these acts. They are not part of Islam. Nowhere in the Quran does Allah instruct Muslims to kill or engage in terrorism,” he said.
He called on international peacekeeping bodies to intervene and promote peace in countries often associated with terrorism.
“We strongly condemn terrorism in Islamic countries like Palestine, Gaza, Syria, the DRC, and others. Such acts do not please Allah, and He does not call for them. We urge NATO, the United Nations, and other organizations to ensure peace so that we may live harmoniously in this world,” he added.
He stressed that Islam is a religion of peace and argued that if thorough investigations were carried out, it would be revealed that those tarnishing the faith may have ulterior motives.
Meanwhile, Hajji Muhammad Gumisiriza, the overall supervisor of Iqra for Dawa and Development in Mbarara, led Muslims in slaughtering animals in Isingiro District as part of the Eid Al-Adha rituals. He said the sacrifice was in remembrance of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son for God.
“We are fulfilling what our grandfather Ibrahim did when he intended to sacrifice his son Ismail to Allah. Because of our strong faith, we are following his example through this sacrifice,” he said.
He noted that over 500 animals would be slaughtered during the three days of Eid Al-Adha celebrations.
“We slaughtered more than 500 animals yesterday, and throughout the three days of Eid, we plan to slaughter over 1,000 animals. We urge all Muslims who can afford it to sacrifice cows, goats, sheep, or even camels and share the meat with others,” he said.
Torch Media Africa
