‘Emulate sacrificial spirit of our forebears’
On the occasion of the Eid-ul-Adha, the Muslim festival of sacrifice, Ghanaians have been urged to emulate the sacrifices of the country’s forebears, irrespective of the challenges, for the sake of national development.
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The Ameer and Missionary in charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana, Alhaji Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, who made the call, said those sacrifices were crucial for all who wanted to play roles in the development and transformation of the country.
Speaking at the Eid-ul-Adha prayers at Ashongman in Accra yesterday, Alhaji Salih said: “A glimpse back into our history brings to our attention the basic sacrifices on the part of our forebears which have informed our growth and development as a people up to our present stage.
“We need to draw inspiration from the spirit of devotion and the sterling sacrifices which our forebears made. We are their children and grandchildren. They did it; we can also do it and even do it better,’’ he stressed.
Reminder
Alhaji Bin Salih said Eid-ul-Adha was not only meant for moral and spiritual upliftment but also served as a reminder of the importance of sacrifice.
“During this time, the rich do not give any consideration to their riches; rather, those material riches are sacrificed. Leaders sacrifice the comfort and pleasures of their positions and luxurious mansions by coming down to the ordinary mortals that they really are,” he said.
He said the act by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was of great importance and that had been demonstrated by the fact that he was now accepted, revered and celebrated by Christians, Muslims and other religions.
“All adherents of the major religions of the world uphold the belief that this elevated position of Prophet Abraham emanates from the selfless sacrifices that he, his wife and his son made,’’ he said.
An Ahmadi and Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa in the Ashanti Region, Mr K. T. Hammond, speaking to the Daily Graphic, advised politicians to see themselves as servants of the people.
“Nobody forces people to take up appointments or get involved in any political activity. Politicians accepted the call and, therefore, they must sacrifice their time and resources to serve the people,’’ he said.
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Eid-ul-Adha
Eid-ul-Adha is a festival of sacrifice celebrated by Muslims throughout the world to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim for sacrificing his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to Allah’s commandment.
The celebration begins with a prayer, after which Muslims sacrifice animals such as cows, goats or sheep whose meat is shared equally with family, friends, neighbours, as well as the poor.
This year’s event attracted scores of members of the mission from all over the country.
Right after the prayers, the Ahmadis made their way to their homes to sacrifice animals for distribution to their loved ones, friends and the poor.
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