Muslims in Malawi have today prayed Eid-Adha in their respective places whiles observing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
The Muslims were advised by Malawi Government and Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) to avoid large numbers when praying Eid-Adha 2021.
Malawi Government through Ministry of Health urged Muslims in the country to celebrate the day with strict adherence to COVID 19 preventive guidelines.
“Avoid large gatherings and events especially if you are among high risk groups or if you are unfeeling well”, Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda said during press briefing on Wednesday in Lilongwe.
Sheikh Dinala Chabulika who is Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) Spokesperson seconded Chiponda by advising Muslims on the essence to safeguarding themselves and loved ones from the pandemic that has killed millions in the world.
“Prevention is better than cure, so let us pray and celebrate Eid al Adha while protecting each other from catching the virus”, said Sheikh Chabulika.
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.
