Kigali, Rwanda Press, June 28, 2023 – Thousands of Rwandan Muslim community on Wednesday flocked Kigali Pele stadium in the capital Kigali to observe Idd celebrations.
The Idd celebrations or Eid-al-Adha take place on Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar.
Millions of Muslims worldwide commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to God.
This annual celebration holds immense significance in the lives of Muslims worldwide, emphasising essential values such as faith, sacrifice, and charity.
At Kigali Pele Stadium, Muslims were led in prayers by the Mufti of Rwanda Sheikh Salim Hitimana, Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Army Chief of Defence Staff Lt Gen Mubarakh Muganga, among other high-profile Muslims.
Elsewhere, Muslims convened at different Mosques across the country to observe Eid-al-Adha.
The Story of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail
The origins of Eid al-Adha can be traced back to the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail. According to Islamic tradition, Ibrahim had a dream in which he saw himself sacrificing his son as an offering to God.
Recognising this as a divine command, Ibrahim approached his son and shared the dream with him. To his astonishment, Ismail expressed his unwavering willingness to be sacrificed, demonstrating his immense faith and submission to God.
As Ibrahim was about to fulfil the command, God intervened and replaced Ismail with a ram, sparing the life of his son. This act emphasized the importance of obedience and devotion to God, as well as the principle that true sacrifice lies in surrendering one’s desires for the sake of the divine will.
