#Editorial

Happy Eid Adha!

Jul 30, 2020, 11:28 AM

About 1.8 billion Muslims across the globe are set to celebrate Eid Adha on Friday, amid a pandemic that has so far infected more than 16 million people and killed many more.

The four-day fest, which is usually observed in grand style, includes communal prayer, presents for children and family visits.

But that is not all, a key ritual will be what gives the feast its name: “Adha” means “sacrifice” in Arabic.

Suffice it to state that Eid al-Adha - the festival of sacrifice - falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and last month of the Muslim lunar calendar.

It is the second major Muslim fest after Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.

The feast of sacrifice dates back from the historic event when Prophet Ibrahim was commanded by God, in a dream, to sacrifice his son Ismail. When he was in the act of sacrificing his son, God sent him the Angel Gibriel with a huge ram as a ransom.

On the day of the event, Muslims held extra prayers in the morning as mosques and town squares are packed with worshippers. This year, however, amid pandemic mosques will limit the number of attendees, and large congregations will be limited in many countries to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Shortly after observing prayers then followed the sacrifice of an animal - a goat, sheep, cow or camel - by those who can afford to do so.

As Muslims set to observe the event, we want to take this opportunity to pray for the Muslims Umah for yet again another important feast in Muslims calendar.

May Allah Almighty continue to guide, protect and shower His infinite blessings on all especially those who will be travelling to observe the feast with their families and loved ones.

Though, this year’s feast will be different one in the sense that it coincided with Covid-19 pandemic, a virus that posed serious challenge to global economies, businesses and families.

Currently, The Gambia has a total of 326 cases, 8 deaths and 66 people are reported to have recovered from the virus.

As Muslims in The Gambia make last minute preparations ahead of the event, let’s adhere and observe World Health Organisation recommended guidelines to stem further spread of the virus. Coronavirus is real. And let’s all protect ourselves from this deadly virus. Each one, teach one! 

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