17 Oct 2013

The Muslim community in Serowe gathered at their Mosque on Wednesday, October 16 to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha.

Eid-ul-Adha is a Muslim term which means the celebration of sacrifice and it is observed by Muslims the world over. According to a representative of Botswana Muslim Association in Serowe, Mr Ansae Shaikh, the celebration was done to pay homage and remember the spirit of Prophet Ibrahim and how he was willing to sacrifice the only person he loved as a response of Allah’s command.

“Allah asked Ibrahim to sacrifice his own son Ishmael, and Ibrahim did not even once think ask why because that was what Allah wanted, and he had absolute faith in Allah,” said Mr Shaikh. He said Ibrahim’s faith was rewarded when his son’s life was spared by Allah at the very last minute. “Just as the knife was coming down, there was a lamb miraculously in the place of Ishmael and that is what Ibrahim actually sacrificed,” he added.

He said every year millions people go to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the place on earth where you can be closest to Allahand perform the pilgrimage together. Celebrating Eid-ul-Adha is characterised by many people also sacrificing animals like goats or lambs.“When this is done a portion of the meat goes to the needy people, some is given to neighbors and friends, and the other portion stays with your family,” he explained. ENDS