HUYE - Sheikh Saleh Habimana, the Mufti of the Islamic Community of Rwanda, yesterday, used the Eid –ul-adhuha celebrations to lay a foundation stone for the construction of an Information Technology structure in Ngoma, Hue District.

The building is expected to be completed early next year.
He said that Muslims have to embrace modern information technology if they are to remain at par with international trends.

"Introducing IT activities goes with the idea of reaching out to the international market; we cannot attain this if we are not skilled in IT,” the Mufti said.

Turning to the celebrations, he called upon Muslims in the country to be thankful to Allah and engage in activities that will ensure a bright future for the Islamic faith.

The Mufti who joined Muslims at Ngoma Mosque for the celebrations, noted that Muslims have taken great strides in the areas of education and health.

He pointed out that all this had been made possible because of the able leadership of President Kagame, who always calls upon Rwandans to embrace development.

On Eid-ul-adhuha, Muslims the world over commemorate the state of total submission of Abraham when he was asked to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. Muslims also commemorate the total obedience on the side of Ishmael.

"While commemorating this past event, we appreciate and glorify the almighty Allah for being with Rwandans. Rwanda is now a star in the world, it is extremely rewarding to be part and parcel of this rising star,” said Habimana, who has served as the Mufti of Rwanda since 2001.

Earlier in the day, the Mufti had called on the thousands of Muslims who converged at the Islamic Cultural Centre in Nyamirambo for Eid-ul-adhuha prayers, to use the opportunity of freedom of worship in the country to develop their communities.

Habimana made the call referring to the recent Global Peace and Unity Services to Humanity Award 2010 that was presented to President Paul Kagame by Mohamed Ali, the CEO of Islam Channel.

Mufti said that under the leadership of Kagame, the current government has restored the dignity of Rwandan Muslims, who for long, were discriminated against and denied equal opportunities like other Rwandans in the country.

Habimana urged Muslims living in predominantly Islamic suburbs like Nyamirambo, to endeavor to develop their dwellings in line with the current urban planning policy to avoid being evicted.

"Rwanda Association of Muslims is looking for development partners to develop Muslim residential areas,” revealed the spiritual head of the Muslim community, calling on the faithful to practice modern farming as it has proved to be one way of fighting poverty.

The celebrations occur a day after the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide and takes place approximately 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan.

Ends