{"id":103042,"date":"2025-06-06T17:51:26","date_gmt":"2025-06-06T17:51:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/muslim-community-urged-to-honor-sacrifice-and-values"},"modified":"2025-06-06T18:13:43","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T18:13:43","slug":"muslim-community-urged-to-honor-sacrifice-and-values","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/photo\/muslim-community-urged-to-honor-sacrifice-and-values","title":{"rendered":"Muslim Community Urged to Honor Sacrifice and Values"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>The Muslim community in Rwanda has been urged to continue the tradition of sacrifice and to share what they have with the less fortunate, especially during the three days of Eid al-Adha.<\/p>\n

Speaking during the celebration of Eid al-Adha on Friday, June 6, at Kigali Pele Stadium, the Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Musa Sindayigaya, encouraged believers to honour the meaning of sacrifice and uphold Islamic values.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a period where we are reminded to help the poor by sharing the blessings Allah has given us,\u201d Sheikh Sindayigaya said, urging Muslims to reach out to the needy during the festival. As part of this year\u2019s Eid celebrations, the Muslim community in Rwanda is expected to slaughter over 300 cows, each valued at more than Rwf630,000, he noted.<\/p>\n

Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Musa Sindayigaya, addresses Muslims during the celebration of Eid al-Adha on Friday, June 6, at Kigali Pele Stadium. All photos by Craish Bahizi<\/p>\n

The meat is distributed across different parts of the country over three days, allowing disadvantaged families to partake in the celebrations.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat matters most is the spirit of sacrifice and the intention behind it,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

He urged the faithful to deepen their respect for Allah and uphold His commandments not only during Eid but throughout their daily lives.<\/p>\n

Muslims during a prayer at the celebration of Eid al-Adha on Friday, June 6, at Kigali Pele Stadium. All photos by Craish Bahizi<\/p>\n

\u201cThe holy days are more sensitive,\u201d he said, comparing them to a football pitch where certain fouls draw heavier penalties. \u201cJust like in sports, the timing and context of our actions matter before Allah.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Mufti reminded believers of their civic duty, encouraging them to love and develop their country, while warning against blindly following global trends that contradict religious teachings.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome countries have normalised homosexuality under the guise of human rights. But real freedom comes after Allah\u2019s will. We are His servants, and a servant does not go against the will of his master,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He described the act of sacrifice as one of deep faith and submission to Allah, explaining that it symbolises obedience and trust.<\/p>\n

Sheikh Omar Suleiman Iyakaremye also reflected on the significance of the festival, calling it a major Eid which holds deep historical and spiritual roots.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis Eid dates back to the 15th century BC, when Prophet Ibrahim was commanded by Allah in a dream to sacrifice his son Ishmael,\u201d Sheikh Iyakaremye said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter attempting to obey the command multiple times, Ibrahim eventually tried to cut Ishmael\u2019s neck from behind so he wouldn\u2019t have to see his son\u2019s face, but Allah intervened and provided a ram in Ishmael\u2019s place.\u201d<\/p>\n

He said the story serves as a reminder for Muslims to fully trust and revere Allah.<\/p>\n

\u201cOriginally, sacrifices were burnt offerings. But since the time of Prophet Muhammad, they are used to provide food to others,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Mubarakah Muganga (Right) interacts with Minister of Finance Yusuf Murangwa (2nd Left) attend the morning prayer to celebrate Eid al-Adha, at Kigali Pele Stadium on Friday, June 6. Photos by Craish Bahizi<\/p>\n\r\n