Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
MUSLIMS across Zimbabwe have joined millions around the world in celebrating Eid al-Adha, the Islamic Festival of Sacrifice.
The three-day religious festival commemorates Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, according to Islamic teachings.
The festival is observed with prayers, ritual sacrifice of livestock, and massive community charity.
“Muslims all over the world are commemorating the Abrahamic incident of obedience to God. So when we are sacrificing animals, we are reaffirming our commitment to God’s commandments. We are saying that we are ready to sacrifice ourselves, we are ready to sacrifice our wealth, we are ready to sacrifice our children for the sake of God. We also share the meat with vulnerable members of the community,” National Chairperson Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Zimbabwe, Imam Yusuf Anubi said.
The animals, typically goats, sheep, or cattle, are slaughtered according to Halal standards as prescribed by Islamic law.
“We eat Halaal meat. Halaal means pure and good. The animal must be healthy, and we make sure that the blood comes out completely to avoid the incidence of infection if the animal has some form of sickness. We also use sharp knives so that the animals do not endure pain for a long time. Also, the ritual slaughter process must be performed by a Muslim,” Youth Chairperson for the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe, Mr Carlton Samwa said.
Eid Al Adha also follows the completion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, required once in a lifetime of every Muslim who can afford it and is physically able to make it.
Muslims in Zimbabwe make up a minority of the population, and they enjoy the same fundamental freedom of worship as all other religions in the country.
