The National Chairman of Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) Sheikh Idrissah Muhammad has urged Muslims in the country to observe Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) when praying Eid-Adha tomorrow.
Sheikh Muhammad says Muslims must always be careful of the pandemic that has killed millions in the world.
“Let us celebrate Eid-Adha carefully. Let us follow Standard Operating Procedures such as washings hands with soap, wearing face masks and observing social distance. COVID-19 is among us and it is our responsibility to abide to all the SOPs to be safe,” Sheikh Muhammad says.
MAM Sheikh has urged Muslims to avoid praying in large numbers in the wake of the deadly pandemic.
“Let us take this Eid-Adha differently. Let us avoid large number and we must not exceed 50 people in a mosque,” Sheikh Muhammad says.
Sheikh Muhammad says it is worrisome that in the country Muslims pray Eid-Adha in separate days. He says MAM is aware that some Muslims have prayed Eid-Adha today yet the authorities announced that the prayer will be conducted tomorrow.
The MAM Chairman has advised Muslims in the country to desist from such tendency to maintain a united Muslim ummah.
Sheikh Muhammad has urged Muslims to slaughter animals to get rewards from Allah.
The day of Eid-ul-Adha falls on the tenth day in the final (twelfth) month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar; Dhu-al-Hijjah. The day that celebrations fall on is dependent on a legitimate sighting of the moon, following the completion of the annual Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj – which is an obligation for all Muslim’s who fit specific criteria, one of the important five pillars of Islam.
The celebration of Eid-ul-Adha is to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah SWT and his readiness to sacrifice his son, Ismail. At the very point of sacrifice, Allah SWT replaced Ismail with a ram, which was to be slaughtered in place of his son. This command from Allah SWT was a test of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness and commitment to obey his Lord’s command, without question. Therefore, Eid-ul-Adha means the festival of sacrifice.
Depending on the country, the celebrations of Eid-ul-Adha can last anywhere between two and four days. The act of Qurbani (sacrifice) is carried out following the Eid Salaah (Eid Prayers), which are performed in congregation at the nearest Mosque on the morning of Eid.
