Muslims to celebrate Eid al-Adha tomorrow with Calls for Integrity and Reflection

Summary:

• Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Adha on June 16, 2024, marking the start of the Islamic year 1445. This Eid honors Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah and includes prayers, fasting, and animal sacrifice. Leaders urge reflection on integrity and public service amid national challenges.

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Muslims are preparing to observe Eid al-Adha on Sunday, June 16, marking the beginning of the year 1445 in the Islamic calendar. This second Eid celebration of 2024 involves special prayers and reflects a key distinction from Eid al-Fitr: while Eid al-Fitr follows Ramadan, Eid al-Adha coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. During Eid al-Adha, Muslims fast and subsequently engage in animal sacrifice over three days, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah.

Sheikh Ziyad Swaleh Lubanga, Director of Sharia at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, emphasized the significance of Eid al-Adha, which honors Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion and the subsequent substitution of a sheep for his son’s sacrifice as decreed by Allah. He urged Muslims to deepen their spiritual practices, including charity and fasting, and to reflect on their commitment to righteous deeds.

In Kampala, celebrations will commence with prayers led by Sheikh Ramadhan Shaban Mubajje at the Old Kampala Mosque at 8am. In a message on behalf of His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Lubanga encouraged Muslims to uphold the values exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim, stressing integrity and public service amidst current challenges, including corruption within the leadership.

Charles Peter Mayiga, the Premier of the Buganda Kingdom, echoed these sentiments in his Eid al-Adha address, urging Muslims to draw lessons from Prophet Ibrahim’s steadfastness and to pray for the country’s leaders to fulfill their duties with integrity and patience. He highlighted the importance of leaders serving public interests rather than personal gain, underscoring the occasion’s relevance amidst ongoing national challenges.