Muslims across the world will today celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, amid a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that has so far infected over 35,000 people in the country.
The day is celebrated to commemorate the prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) readiness to sacrifice his son in order to demonstrate his dedication to God.
It coincides with the completion of the Hajj, which millions of people partake in every year but has been halted due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
In normal circumstances, Eid day starts by gathering at a mosque in the morning to take part in prayers.
But in compliance with the ban on social gathering, the National Chief Imam Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu has urged Muslims to celebrate the Eid-ul-Adha at home just as they did during the Eid-ul-Fitr.
This, Sheikh Sharubutu, said would help contain the spread of the COVID-19.
The Chief Imam also called for calm and tolerance, during and after the celebration.
A statement issued in Accra on his behalf, by Alhaji Khuzaima M. Osman, Director of Youth Development and Inter-faith Programmes, ONCI, and copied to the Ghanaian Times, said the country was not in normal times and that it demanded “a dose of sacrifice and compromise” during the celebration.
“It requires everyone to spread the words of peace, harmony, tolerance and avoid creating unnecessary tension,” the statement said.
The statement called on Muslims to observe the Eid-ul-Adha in moderation, with strict adherence to the COVID-19 safety protocols.
It encouraged Muslims to come out in their number and register adding “the registration is a civic responsibility that should be discharged on any day within the schedule of the EC.”
BY VIVIAN ARTHUR
