Messages of peaceful election and coexistence rang out throughout the two days as millions of Kenyan Muslims joined their Muslim brothers and sisters around the world for Eid Al-Adha prayers.
Sheikh Ahmed Muhdhar, Chief Kadhi Sunday led hundreds of worshippers in Eid prayers led by his predecessor, Sheikh Hamad Kassim, on the grounds of Ronald Ngala Primary School.
Sheikh Muhdhar called for tolerance among Kenyans in his speech, saying that divergent political opinions should not divide us as the country prepares for elections.
He observed that political tolerance is critical for the country’s suitability and the peaceful coexistence of citizens beyond the polls.
“We also pray for our country and God grant wisdom to Kenyans to rise above individual political interests and petty issues that could trigger election related conflicts,” added Chief Kadhi.
In a separate Eid prayer, Sheikh Mohamed Khalifa of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK) called for peaceful elections, saying the one-day election should not be a source of animosity and hatred among Kenyans.
“We have life beyond the August elections, and we should not break our family ties, good neighbourhood and spoil our future,” added Sheikh Khalifa.
Sheikh Juma Omar of the Kenya National Muslim Advisory Council (KEMNAC) expressed a similar sentiment, urging Kenyans not to undo the progress made in fostering peace and security.
“We are left with three weeks to elections and my message to Muslims is to keep praying for our nation so that the unity of the country continues,” added Sheikh Omar.
After prayers, Chief Kadhi and clerics urged Muslims to share meat with their non-Muslim brothers and sisters as a sign of goodwill and societal cohesion.
The Chief Kadhi called for the slaughter of healthy animals such as camels, goats, sheep, and cows to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to God’s directive to slaughter his only son, Ismail, who miraculously survived the knife after God replaced him with a fat ram.
Sheikh Khalifa claimed that God honored the sanctity of human life by replacing Prophet Ismail with a ram.
Politicians who were present during Eid prayer put aside their differences to call for peace and security during the current campaign period, as well as during and after elections.
Led by ODM gubernatorial candidate Abdulswamad Nassir, his former opponent turned ally Suleiman Shahbal and Jomvu MP Badi Twalib, they said peace is paramount over their political interests.
Politicians vying for Mvita MP seats, including UDA’s Omar Shallo and ODM’s Mohamed Machele, have assured citizens that they will conduct themselves with decorum as they ramp up their campaigns to gain support.
“As citizens observe peace and security, we also urge our security forces to strengthen our country’s security,” observed Shahbal.
Eid -Al-Adha marks the end of hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia undertaken by millions of Muslims each year.
On Friday, pilgrims spent the entire day on Mount Arafah seeking God’s forgiveness for past and future sins.
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