Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe will tomorrow join millions of Muslims around the world in celebrating Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, which falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar.
The central prayer for this joyous occasion will take place at Masjid Al-Abbas on Boeing Road in Ridgeview, Harare.
Prominent Islamic leader and businessman, Moulana Mohammed Ismail, recently met President Mnangagwa at State House to discuss Zimbabwe’s Eid celebrations and to provide updates on various Islamic programmes.
“This joyous occasion, marked by communal prayers, festive meals, and acts of charity, is inextricably linked to the annual pilgrimage of Hajj, a profound spiritual journey that culminates in the heart of Islam, Mecca,” he stated.
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a sacred obligation for all able-bodied Muslims who can afford the journey.
This year, 131 pilgrims from Zimbabwe participated in the Hajj, with 121 of them facilitated by the Zimbabwe Hajj and Umra Council.
Additionally, ten pilgrims were honoured as guests of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, a gesture facilitated by Moulana Ismail himself.
Globally, over 1.5 million Muslims from 171 countries gathered in Mecca for this spiritual event.
For those unable to perform Hajj, Eid al-Adha offers a similar opportunity for reflection and community bonding.
Families will gather for special prayers at mosques, visit relatives, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals.
The tradition of sacrifice will also take place, with meat distributed to the less fortunate, reinforcing the communal and charitable spirit of the occasion.
Eid al-Adha and Hajj symbolise themes of faith, sacrifice, and unity.
They remind us of the inherent equality among Muslims as they stand together, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries in their devotion to God.
