Photos: Eid al-Adha: Mufti urges Muslims to comfort Genocide survivors, help those in need
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Salim Hitimana leads the prayer at Pele Stadium on June 28. Eid-al Adha , the festival is Islam’s second, and most significant, major holiday.

As Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha, the Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Salim Hitimana, has heartened them to remember the poor and needy on this day and help in whatever way they can.

ALSO READ: A guide to understanding Eid al-Adha

The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Salim Hitimana delivers his message during the morning prayer at Kigali Pele Stadium on June 28. Photos by Dan Gatsinzi

While explaining that this is the time for celebration by offering sacrifices like camels, cows, goats and sheep in order to commemorate the mercy of Allah, who spared Prophet Ibrahim from having to kill his son Ishmael, he stressed that acts of kindness assist Muslims to grow spiritually as they share happiness and strengthen the bond with their families, friends and neighbours, even non-Muslims.

"As we are still in the period of 100 days of commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsis, this day of Eid al-Adha, we are reminding Muslims to keep in mind that it’s our responsibility to be with Genocide survivors and comfort them,” he said.

Thousand of Muslim community during the morning prayer to celebrate Eid-al Adha, 'Feast of Sacrifice.' at Kigali Pele Stadium

ALSO READ: Five things you need to know about Eid al-Adha

Sheikh Hitimana also noted that Eid and after Eid is all about forgiving people, just like we would want Allah to forgive us.

He highlighted that no matter how hard it may seem, it is possible to let go of grudges and move on—forgetting the bad, despite still feeling the hurt and pain.

ALSO READ: Five things you need to know about Eid al-Adha

Hitimana also said that on this Eid al-Adha, the management of the Rwanda Muslim Community and its partners are expecting to slaughter 1,320 cows and 1,200 goats.

Thousands of Muslims walk in the street of Nyamirambo after conducting a morning prayer to celebrate Eid-al Adha
Thousand of Muslim community during the morning prayer to celebrate Eid-al Adha, 'Feast of Sacrifice.' at Kigali Pele Stadium
Muslims in Rwanda join their counterparts around the globe in celebration of Eid-al Adha, otherwise known as the Feast of Sacrifice.
Thousands of Muslims walk in the street of Nyamirambo after conducting a morning prayer to celebrate Eid-al Adha
Eid-al Adha
Muslims in Rwanda join their counterparts around the globe in celebration of Eid-al Adha, otherwise known as the Feast of Sacrifice.
Muslims in Rwanda join their counterparts around the globe in celebration of Eid-al Adha, otherwise known as the Feast of Sacrifice.
Some of the thousands of Muslims walk in the street of Nyamirambo after conducting a morning prayer to celebrate Eid-al Adha
The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Salim Hitimana leads the prayer at Pele Stadium on June 28. Eid-al Adha , the festival is Islam’s second, and most significant, major holiday.