Muslims at Suuna II Mosque in Wamala marked Eid celebrations with prayers, charity and renewed calls to safeguard Muslim property, strengthen families and uphold good morals within the community.
While delivering the Eid sermon, Sheikh Abdul Kadir Kirumira urged Muslims not to abandon the legacy left behind by early Muslim leaders who fought to protect Muslim property and rights, particularly land belonging to the Muslim community.
“We should not abandon the legacy left by the pioneers of Islam who struggled to protect Muslim property, especially land that was given to Muslims,” Sheikh Kirumira said.
He called upon worshippers to contribute funds towards securing a land title for the mosque land, which he said was donated by Kabaka Suuna II and still bears his name.
The Eid prayers began at around 9:00am and attracted a large number of Muslims from the area.
During the celebrations, worshippers agreed to slaughter two cows and distribute meat to vulnerable Muslims who lacked food for Eid festivities.
Sheikh Kirumira commended Muslims who voluntarily contributed money towards acquiring the land title and offered special prayers for them.
He also used the sermon to encourage Muslims to improve hygiene and health standards within their homes and communities.
“People should boil drinking water, maintain cleanliness and avoid poor hygiene practices that put lives at risk,” he said.
The Sheikh further emphasised the importance of education and proper parenting, urging Muslim parents to educate their children and raise them with discipline and good morals.
He strongly condemned domestic violence, especially men who assault their wives.
“Prophet Muhammad prohibited violence against women. Men should respect and care for their wives and also take time to appreciate them, especially during celebrations like Eid,” Sheikh Kirumira noted.
He also advised women to avoid actions that could break families and urged young people to embrace marriage within the Muslim faith.
The cleric cautioned Muslims against excessive eating and laziness, saying such habits do not please God.
“Some people spend time sleeping in mosques and begging unnecessarily instead of working hard and improving their lives,” he added.
Sheikh Kirumira further appealed for peace, unity and responsible leadership within communities.
“Leaders should guide the people they lead with love, fairness and humility so that society can live peacefully and God rewards them,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Imam of Suuna II Mosque, Sheikh Abdul Ratif Katende, urged Muslims to maintain good behaviour as they celebrated Eid with their families and neighbours.