Christians convert to Islam as country celebrates Eid al-Adha

SOUTHERN PROVINCE MUHANGA — Two Christians in the Musambira region gave up Christianity opting for Islam during the Eid al-Adha celebrations yesterday. This is the celebration of sacrifice which comes two months and ten days after ‘Eid al-Fitr. Muslims celebrate Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Isma’il) as obedience to God. He was instead offered a lamb in place of Ishmael (Isma’il) by holy his father. Sarah Mukankubito, and another unidentified young man vowed to be loyal to the teachings of Allah, the Koran and Prophet Mohammed. The ceremony was presided over by a group of Sheikhs in Musambira- who called on the Muslim faithful to welcome the duo in the Muslim community. Many Christians also attended the celebrations. The 58-year old, Mukankubito, who was born Catholic explained why she opted for Islam. She said: “I have chosen Islam because I have spent years in isolation. With this new community, I will be able to feel like a creation of God and communicate with a loving group of Muslims.” The population of Muslims has increased in Musambira from nine people to over 1,000 since 1958 when the first Mosque was built in the area, according to Amisi Munyakazi, the first Muslim in the area. “The trend of growing interest in Islam, the commitment of Muslims towards creating peace and following the teachings of the Koran and this day’s celebrations have a significance to all Muslims to be exemplary to other people,” said Sheikh Ismail Kajeguhakwa. A bull was slaughtered and shared by both the Muslims community and Christians as a way of oneness and fulfillment of the sacrifice made by Prophet Abraham. The youths also played a football match between the Kivumu and Musambira Muslim youths as part of the celebrations. Ends