Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has called upon all Muslims to intensify acts of devotion, such as offering charity to the less privileged members of the community and fasting, in preparation for Eid Al-Adha.
He also encouraged Muslims to recite the Holy scripture, the Qur'an, visit the sick, and prepare sacrificial animals, among other righteous deeds.
Dr. Sheikh Ziyad Swaleh Lubanga, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) Director of Sharia, delivered this message while announcing the sighting of the crescent moon, which signifies the beginning of the special ten days marking the start of the month of Zul Hijjah.
During this month, the Muslim faithful perform the pilgrimage to the Holy Sanctuary, the Kaaba, in the Holy City of Makkah, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Dr Lubanga informed the Muslim community and the wider public that the Day of Arafat, when pilgrims assemble on the plains of Mount Arafat for the peak of Hajj rituals, will be on Saturday, June 15th.
The following day, Sunday, June 16, 2024, will be Eid Al-Adha, the feast of sacrifice.
This day commemorates the great acts of devotion exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim, the patriarch of monotheism, his immediate family, and their great descendant, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Saudi Arabia has officially declared the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the beginning of the month of Dhul Hijjah.
The Day of Arafah, the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage, will be observed on June 15. "Arafat Day falls on Saturday, June 15, while Sunday, June 16 will be the first day of Eid Al-Adha," stated the Saudi Supreme Court on Thursday.
Eid Al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide. It honours the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Isma'il (Ishmael) as an act of obedience to God's command.
However, before he could carry out the sacrifice, God provided a ram as a substitute.
Eid Al-Adha also marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, the fifth pillar of Islam, where Muslims perform rituals commemorating events in the lives of Ibrahim and his family.
Apart from prayers, feasting, and sharing, Eid Al-Adha is a time for spiritual reflection, strengthening bonds with family and the community, and showing compassion towards others.
