By Ramadhan Abbey
As Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha Wednesday, Muslims have stormed different animal markets in Kampala as they purchase goats, sheep and cows to sacrifice ahead of Eid al-Adha celebration.
Eid Al Adha is celebrated at the end of the Hajj or the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia
Muslims all over honor the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command. But, before Abraham could sacrifice his son, God provided a lamb to sacrifice instead.
In commemoration of this intervention, an animal is sacrificed and divided into three parts. One share is given to the poor and needy, another is kept for home, and the third is given to relatives.
At Kimeeme Livestock Cooperative society Kisenyi market Kampala, Muslims started purchasing animals as early as 8:00 am as they prepare for tomorrow’s Eid celebration.
According to Hassan Kayemba, the chairperson of Kimeeme Cooperative Society, they expect a high turn up of customers at the end of the day.
‘’Before COVID-19 we used to sell 500-1000 goats and sheep per day but this time we may sell over 500 goats ‘’ said Kayemba
He noted that at least the price of a goat law and a goat go between 120,000 to 500,000 while sheep 200,000-500,000.
Muslim advised to slaughter healthy animals.
Speaking during an interview with The New Vision at Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) head office Old Kampala on Wednesday June 27, 2023, Sheik Abdunoor Imaram Ssali, the UMSC Secretary for Religious Affairs called upon Muslims to slaughter health animals as prescribed by the Islamic teaching. ‘’Eid sacrifice should be in good health and fat enough so that its meat could be eaten’’ said Ssali.
He noted that Slaughtering animals is an obligation in the Islamic faith which is recommended for any Muslim who is able to do it, a symbol of respect to Allah and whosoever honors the symbols of Allah, then it is truly from the religiousness of the heart.
Today is Arafat and it is very significant for its emphasis on forgiveness, mercy, repentance, spiritual cleansing, unity and the culmination of the Hajj.
Ssali however called upon Muslims to read the Quran, do charity to need people, ask for forgiveness from Allah, respecting their parents and others as this the only way Allah will forgive their deeds.
