BY BETELHEM BEDLU
Eid al-Adha or “Festival of Sacrifice” or “Greater Eid” is one of the popular as well as important Islamic holidays that are celebrated by Muslim communities all over the world to commemorate the story of the Prophet Ibrahim’s test of faith, as it is stated in Holy Books.
Muslims believe that Ibrahim was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his beloved son, Ismail. The belief holds that Allah stayed his hand, sparing the boy, and placing a ram in his place.
Thus, Muslims around the world mark this day to commemorate the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Ismail) as an act of obedience to Allah, before Allah intervened to provide him with a ram to sacrifice instead, sources indicate.
During the celebration, animals are sacrificed in recognition of the Prophet Ibrahim’s own willingness to sacrifice his son for the will of Allah. The meat is divided into three parts which the family retains one third of the share, the second for friends or relatives and the other third is given to impoverished and needy family.
Eid al-Adha celebrations start after the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide. The date is approximately 70 days (2 Months and 10 days) after the end of the Month of Ramadan. Ritual observance of the Holiday lasts until sunset of the 13th Day of Dhu al-Hijjah.
In relation to the Festival, President of Ethiopian Islamic Affairs Supreme Council, Grand Mufti Haji Omar Idris has extended his warm wishes to all Muslims on the celebration of Eid al-Adha.
In a press conference held last Sunday, President Haji Mufti Oumer Idris has also taken the opportunity and urged all the faithful to contribute their share to the effort geared towards consolidating national unity.
Mentioning the challenges Ethiopia has faced these days subsequent to the current situation in Tigray State and matters associated with the second round filling of the reservoir of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the President said that Ethiopians should strengthened and united with the sense of fraternity now more than ever to preserve peace.
“It is high time for all Ethiopians to consolidate unity, fraternity and coexistence more than ever before. I would like to congratulate the election winner, too,” he said. In addition, the President has stated that Ethiopians should unite and stand as one in the fight against anti-peace elements.
The sixth General Elections were concluded in more peaceful and fair manner. This is a great success for Ethiopians. Therefore, the newly elected government should work untiringly and committedly in collaboration with the general public for the development of the country, he added.
The current security challenges in some areas must also be improved through citizenry unification, he underscored.
Besides expressing delight over the peaceful conclusion of the 6th general elections, he called up on Muslims and all Ethiopians at large to preserve peace and togetherness for wellbeing of the nation.
The Grand Mufti also urged Muslims to spend the holiday with charity, prayers, harmony, love and pray to God (Allah) supplicating his forgiveness. Moreover, he commended the faithful to show kindness to the poor while observing the Eid al-Adha.
In the celebration of Eid-al-Adha festival, hundreds of thousands of Muslims turns out for the Eid prayer in and around the Addis Ababa’s old stadium which is located in the downtown of the capital.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD JULY 21/2021
