This archive report was first published on 11 August 2019.
As Muslims around the country prepare to celebrate Eid ul Adha, Chief Kadhi Sheikh Sharif Muhdhar has called on the faithful to remember the less fortunate during the festivities.
On Monday, August 12, 2019, Muslims will gather at various open grounds and mosques to perform the Eid prayers, which will start from 7.30am. The Chief Kadhi will attend the prayers either in Mombasa or Malindi.
According to Islamic tradition, Eid ul Adha is a time for sacrifice and charity. Muslims are obliged to share their food and money with the poor, so they too can take part in the celebrations. The animal to be slaughtered must be healthy, with the meat divided into three - one for the family, one for neighbours, and the third given to the poor.
“I thank the government for declaring Monday a public holiday to allow Muslims attend the prayers and join their families and friends in celebrating the Eid festivals,” Muhdhar said.
Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa, National Organising Secretary of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK), explained that the main objective of Eid ul Adha is to sacrifice animals to remember Prophet Abraham’s willingness to obey God by attempting to sacrifice his own son Ishmael.
“Muslims across the world sacrifice a sheep or goat as a reminder of Abraham’s total obedience to God,” Khalifa said.
As Muslims celebrate Eid ul Adha, they also remember those who are unable to join in the festivities. The Chief Kadhi has sent his best wishes to Kenyans attending pilgrimage in Islam’s holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
“We pray for their health, safety, success and safe journey back home,” Muhdhar said.
