Thousands of Rwandan Muslims, yesterday, joined others around the world to celebrate Eid al-Adhuha, in a national event marked by prayers at Nyamirambo Regional Stadium in Kigali.

The day, which is also known as ‘Feast of the Sacrifice’, is marked in recognition of Abraham’s obedience to Allah by showing willingness to sacrifice his only son. God intervened and instead provided him with a lamb.

In the Islamic belief, Muslims celebrate this day by also slaughtering animals and sharing meat and foodstuff, among other things, with the most vulnerable in their community.

Sheikh Swaib Mvuyekure, the Western Provincial Imam, led the prayers on behalf of the Mufti who is currently on holy pilgrimage in Mecca.

In his speech, he called upon the Muslim community to remember the history of the day and make use of it in their daily lives.

"This should be enough to make you strong believers, meaning that Allah is always there for you, not only in times of happiness, but also during difficult moments,” Mvuyekure said.

In an interview with The New Times, some of the believers said the day is one of the most important events on the Islamic calendar, which means a lot in building faith and bringing Muslims together.

"The fact that Abraham never hesitated to give out his only son, is a landmark that gives us hope, meaning that even in the most difficult times when human beings have lost hope, something better can come up,” observed Amina Kayitesi.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary of Rwanda Muslim Association (AMUR), Sheikh Swaleh Nshimiyimana, emphasised the need for Muslims to actively contribute towards national development.

"As Muslims, we have to unite and even encourage members of the community to live in peace, work together and collectively contribute towards the fight against diseases especially HIV/Aids and other diseases,” Nshimiyimana said.

He also updated members on the reforms AMUR is undertaking in its statutes and internal regulations.

As part of the reforms, he pointed out, the association`s entities have reduced from 10 regions to four provinces, each with a new Imam.

Nshimiyimana encouraged Muslims to contribute towards the construction of AMUR`s headquarters to be built in Nyamirambo at the cost of approximately Rwf10 billion. 

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