THE importance of obedience, sacrifice and piety was reinforced by leaders in the Muslim community amidst the observance of Eid-ul-Adha across the country, on Saturday.
According to the President of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), Al-Haj Shahabudeen Ahmad, Eid-ul-Adha commemorates one of the most celebrated families in history.

“Our father, Ibrahim (peace be upon him) or Abraham. He is known as the common patriarch of what is referred to as the Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The day of Eid-ul-Adha, is the commemoration of the struggles of our father Ibrahim (peace be upon him), and his family.

“This struggle, at its core, revolves around his absolute and pure devotion to Allah (swt), GOD Almighty. Him and his family’s willingness to sacrifice everything they possessed, especially, that which he loved the most, his son Ishmael, for his Lord,” the CIOG President noted.

Meanwhile, the Imam of Meten-Meer-Zorg (East) Masjid, Halim Khan, told this publication that Qurbani is a sacrifice made in remembrance of Allah, and it takes place after the Eid prayer on Eid-ul-Adha and not before.
The celebration of Eid, Khan said, lasts three days, and any sacrifice made before Eid prayer counts as Sadaqah – not Qurbani. In such cases, he said another sacrifice must be made to count as Qurbani.

“By giving Qurbani, we follow in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim and remember his devotion to Allah. Muslims across the globe also fast and perform Hajj during these blessed days. Giving Qurbani is obligatory for every Muslim who is financially able to do so.

“There are also Qurbani rules which dictate which animals can be sacrificed, the quality of the life it has led, its health status and guidelines on how the sacrifice must be carried out,” the Imam explained.
Khan also added that the meat of a sacrificed animal should be divided into three parts: One part for the person who supplied the animal; one part to be shared out among family, friends or neighbours, and one part to be given to those in need.

Imam Goolzar Namdar of the Meten-Meer-Zorg (West) Masjid said annually, during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims worldwide offer sacrifice in the form of a goat, sheep, or cow to reflect Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail.

He said Ismail was spared because Ibrahim proved he would sacrifice his son as an act of piety, despite the grief it would have caused him. The continued practice of sacrifice acts as a reminder of Ibrahim’s obedience to God.

Kitty Masjid member Don Rahim said Muslims celebrate the Feast of Sacrifice worldwide as a major holiday with special prayers held at different masjids countrywide.
He said some of the popular dishes during this occasion include kebab, stews, curry, and Biryani, among others. A sweet dessert-like Vermicelli usually rounds off the meal.

Many persons collecting their share of Qurbani meat expressed gratitude and appreciation for the charity.
“I love the appreciation shown by the Muslim community and how they go about caring for those that are fortunate and others who are less fortunate,” one man said after collecting his beef at the Kitty Masjid.