The Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Mubarakh Muganga (L) and former Mufti of Rwanda Salim Hitimana during the morning prayer to celebrate Eid al-Adha at Kigali Pele stadium on Sunday, June 16. All photos by Craish Bahizi
Muslims in Rwanda, on June 16, joined their counterparts around the globe in celebrating Eid al-Adha, otherwise known as the Feast of Sacrifice.
This three-day festival is Islam’s second, and most significant, major holiday.
Thousands of members of Rwanda Muslim Community, gathered at Kigali Pele stadium for the morning prayer ahead of celebrating Eid-al Adha with their families.
The prayer was attended by Rwanda Defence Force Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Mubarakah Muganga, the newly appointed Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, former Deputy speaker of parliament, Sheikh Mussa Fasil Harerimana, and former Mufti of Rwanda Sheikh Salim Hitimana.
While addressing thousands of Muslims during the Sunday morning prayers, the Mufti of Rwanda, Mussa Sindayigaya, urged Muslims to continue working for the good of their country and asked them in particular to pray for and participate in the upcoming elections.
The New Times photographer Craish Bahizi covered the prayer and captured some pictures for the highlights.
The celebration of Eid al-Adha in Kigali held at Kigali Pele stadium in Nyamirambo
Parents with their children as they came for the morning prayer
Muslims on their arrival at Kigali Pele stadium for the morning prayers
Parents with their children turn up for the morning prayer to celebrate Eid al- Adha. Eid al-Adha commemorates the profound act of obedience by Prophet Ibrahim who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismael to God, though God stopped him and provided a lamb instead.
One of thousands of Muslims who attended the prayer to celebrate Eid al-Adha at Kigali Pele stadium on June 16.
Thousands of muslims during the morning prayer to mark Eid al-Adha. Speaking at the ceremony, the Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Mussa Sindayigaya, appealed to Muslims to participate in the July presidential and parliamentary elections, urging them to vote for candidates who will deliver for Rwandans.
Muslims from other countries who live in Rwanda also attended the morning prayer
Mufti of Rwanda, Mussa Sindayigaya arrives at Kigali Pele Stadium for the morning prayer
The morning prayer to celebrate Eid al-Adha at Kigali Pele stadium
Thousands of muslims during the morning prayer as part of the celebrations of Eid al-Adha at Kigali Pele Stadium
Thousands of members of Rwanda Muslim Community, gathered at Kigali Pele stadium for the morning prayer.
The newly appointed Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa (L) and former Deputy speaker of parliament, Sheikh Mussa Fasil Harerimana (R)
The Mufti of Rwanda, Mussa Sindayigaya leads the morning prayer
Muslims in Rwanda, on June 16, joined their counterparts around the globe in celebration of Eid-al Adha, otherwise known as the Feast of Sacrifice.
The morning prayer held at Kigali Pele stadium
Mufti of Rwanda Sindayigaya leads Muslims to celebrate Eid al-Adha at Kigali Pele Stadium in Nyamirambo on Sunday, June 16. All photos by Craish Bahizi
Speaking at the ceremony, the Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Mussa Sindayigaya, appealed to Muslims to participate in the July presidential and parliamentary elections, urging them to vote for candidates who will deliver for Rwandans.
Festival of Sacrifice" in Islamic tradition, Eid Al Adha commemorates the profound act of obedience by Prophet Ibrahim who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismael to God, though God stopped him and provided a lamb instead.
This three-day festival is Islam’s second, and most significant, major holiday.
This three-day festival is Islam’s second, and most significant, major holiday.
Women during the morning prayer
The morning prayer took place at Kigali Pele stadium.
Thousands of muslims during the morning prayer as part of the celebrations of Eid al-Adha at Kigali Stadium
Muslims during the prayers. Thousands of muslims during the morning prayer as part of the celebrations of Eid al-Adha at Kigali Pele Stadium
Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Mubarakh Muganga, joined other muslims to celebrate Eid al- Adha
Muslims from across the country came together at Kigali Pele Stadium in Nyamirambo on Sunday, June 16.
Mufti of Rwanda, Mussa Sindayigaya delivers his remarks during the morning prayer at Kigali Pele stadium.
Thousands of muslims during the morning prayer as part of the celebrations of Eid al-Adha at Kigali Stadium
Abbas Mukama, the National Consultative Forum of Political Organisations (NFPO) spokesperson (R) also attended the prayer
Muslims in Rwanda, on June 16, joined their counterparts around the globe in celebration of Eid-al Adha, otherwise known as the Feast of Sacrifice.
Some women posing for a photo after the morning prayer
Families brought young children to attend the morning prayer.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Mussa Sindayigaya, appealed to Muslims to participate in the July presidential and parliamentary elections, urging them to vote for candidates who will deliver for Rwandans.
Some participants interact after praying the morning prayer to celebrate Eid al-Adha
Muslims interact as they celebrated Eid al-Adha at Kigali Pele stadium
Thousands of Muslims during the morning prayer as part of the celebrations of Eid al-Adha at Kigali Stadium
Mufti of Rwanda and other Muslims pose for a group photo after concluding the morning prayer.