CS Kithure Kindiki Declares Monday a Public Holiday for Eid-Al-Adha Celebration
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has announced that Monday, June 17, will be observed as a public holiday. This announcement is in recognition of Eid-Al-Adha, one of the most significant holidays in Islam.
Eid-Al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, holds great importance in the Islamic faith. It commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim to Allah and his willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail.
In a divine intervention, Allah replaced Ismail with a ram, which was sacrificed instead. This event was a test of Prophet Ibrahim’s faith and obedience to Allah’s command, symbolizing the essence of the festival.
The holiday is particularly notable as it signifies the conclusion of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, which takes place in the final month of the lunar Islamic calendar.
Significance and Timing
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is observed on the tenth day of Dhu-al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar.
The exact day of celebration is determined by the sighting of the moon, coinciding with the completion of the Hajj pilgrimage, a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who meet specific criteria. This pilgrimage is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
The celebrations of Eid-ul-Adha vary by country, lasting from two to four days. Central to the observance is the act of Qurbani, or animal sacrifice, performed after the Eid Salaah (Eid Prayers).
These prayers are conducted in congregation at local mosques on the morning of Eid.
Qurbani: The Sacrificial Act
Qurbani involves the slaughtering of an animal to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice. This practice, also known as Udhiya, spans three days, from the 10th to the 12th of Dhu-al-Hijjah.
The animals eligible for sacrifice include sheep, lambs, goats, cows, bulls, and camels. Each sheep, lamb, or goat represents one Qurbani share, while a cow, bull, or camel accounts for seven shares.
The sacrificial animals must be healthy and of a certain age, and the slaughtering must adhere to halal guidelines.
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The meat from the Qurbani is divided into three equal parts: one-third for the individual and their family, one-third for friends, and one-third for those in need.
This distribution ensures that the act of sacrifice benefits a broad spectrum of the community, reinforcing the values of charity and sharing.
Celebratory Traditions
On Eid-ul-Adha, families and friends gather to celebrate, often wearing new or their finest clothes and exchanging gifts.
The day is marked by communal prayers, feasts, and the joy of being with loved ones. These traditions strengthen bonds within the community and highlight the festive spirit of Eid-ul-Adha.
CS Kithure Kindiki Declares Monday a Public Holiday for Eid-Al-Adha Celebration
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