By ZURAH NAKABUGO
The Acting Supreme Mufti, Sheikh Mahmood Kibaate Ssebuggwawo has today (July 15), called upon all Muslims in the country to join him in the nationwide Duah prayers and supplication of Allah to rescue people from Covid-19 pandemic and effects of lockdown.
“During prayers, the Supreme district Kadhis, Sheikhs and Imams are requested to lead representatives’ congregations of 10-15 people, which are recommended by the Ministry of Health standing orders on prevention of Covid-19,” he says.
Kibaate said, the Duah will be conducted in three sessions of the day which include 7am (after Morning Prayers of Subhi), 2pm after Dhuhur prayers and 4.30pm after Aswir prayers.
He advised all Muslims to use this advantage of supplication of Allah and they join him in prayers as they request Allah to save people from the daily challenges of survival during the lockdown. Covid-19 pandemic has claimed over 1,000 people in Uganda although many have recovered.
Kibaate has also advised Muslims to pray at home during the Eid Adha celebrations since Covid-19 pandemic has once again affected places of worship across the country.
“All Muslims in the country will celebrate this year’s Eid Adha at home as they continue to observe the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs),” Kibaate says.
He says, this year’s Eid Adha which is expected to be celebrated on July 20, it will last for three days as people have a chance to slaughter an animal on any of these days.
“The men will be the Imams in their families as they pray during Eid celebrations. We request all Muslims to repent their sins to Allah and ask forgiveness from Him so that we are saved from Covid-19 pandemic,” he says.
Eid Adha honours, the famous story of the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his only son Prophet Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah’s command. However, before Ibrahim sacrificed his son, Allah produced a lamb for him to sacrifice instead.
Kibaate says, Allah was so pleased with Ibrahim’s submission to Him that He made this demonstration of sacrifice and faith a permanent part of a Muslim’s life. This event is mentioned in Quran.
“Hence, every year on the tenth day of Dhul al-Hijjah, which is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid Adha. They slaughter a lamb, sheep, goat, cow or a camel to honor the sacrifice of Ibrahim,” he says.
To commemorate this, an animal is traditionally sacrificed and divided into three parts in an act known as Qurbani. One part of the sheep is given to the poor, one to the immediate family at home and one is reserved for relatives.
Sheikh Haidari Kizza, the Vice Chairman of Hear Uganda, a humanitarian organization says, this year, they will slaughter over 400 cows and donate them to different vulnerable Ugandans countrywide.
“Since we are in lockdown, we are waiting for permission from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Works and Transport, to start distributing these animals to different people countrywide,” he says.
Kizza advised Muslims to give money to charity as Sadaq and the poor families get a chance to have a proper Eid feast especially during this lockdown. He advised community groups to avoid communal meals due to Covid-19 pandemic.
He advised Muslims to fast on the day of Arafah, which is the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah) since its confirmed Sunnah of our beloved prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) but only for those who are not performing Hajj. Fasting on this day is rewarded with forgiveness of Allah for the sins of the previous and following year.
