Muslims in Rwanda will today join their counterparts across the world to celebrate Eid El-Adha, an important day on the Islamic calendar, which is known as the Festival of Sacrifice. Eid El-Adha celebrates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his begotten son, an act that God later prevented, ordering that one should never sacrifice a human life, in the name of God. Ahead of the celebration, Muslims across the country will convene at their respective mosques for a one-hour prayer according to Sheikh Suleiman Mbarushimana, the advisor to the Mufti of Rwanda. At the national level, the day will be celebrated at Kigali Stadium in Nyamirambo from where the message of the day will be delivered by the Mufti. Countrywide, 61 sites have been identified where the faithful will meet for the morning prayer. “Early in the morning starting 7am, Muslims will gather at designated mosques, where they will receive the message from the Mufti. The celebrations will be wrapped up with feasting with neighbours,” he said. The event also includes other activities like giving sacrifices through slaughtering animals like goats and cows and sharing with friends and family as well as visiting hospitals and prisons to share a meal with the sick and those incarcerated. This year, ten prisons and hospitals will be covered by Muslims from across the country. A total of 1,000 cows and 2,000 goats, worth Rwf200 million, are expected to be sacrificed by the Muslim community. Ahead of the day, a total of 92 Rwandan pilgrims participated in the holy pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in western Saudi Arabia where they spent five days. Mecca is believed to be the birthplace of Prophet Mohammed, the founder of the Islamic faith. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
