Eastleigh

Thousands unite for Eid-ul-Adha prayers in Eastleigh

Muslim faithful perform Eid-ul-Adha prayers at Business Bay Square Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi county. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

By Abdirahman Khalif | Sunday, June 16, 2024

Most sermons delivered during the prayers focused on the significance of the day, the importance of Hajj, and the practice of Qurbani.

Muslims across Kenya celebrated Eid-ul-Adha on Sunday, marking the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

Thousands gathered at various grounds and mosques nationwide to perform the non-obligatory Eid-ul-Adha prayers, which took place a day after the observance of Arafa.

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In Eastleigh, known for its vibrant Muslim community, both young and old congregated at several locations as early as 6 am.

Hundreds of worshippers were joined by Somalia's ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdule at a gathering at Eastleigh High School grounds.

Meanwhile, at Business Bay Square Mall, Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan joined thousands in the early morning prayers.

Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan (right) joined thousands of Muslim faithful in the early morning prayers at the Business Bay Square Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi County on June 16, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

Security was tight, with a significant police presence ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for the celebrations.

Other prayer sites in Eastleigh included Maina Wanjigi Secondary School, Masjid Sahaba, Zawadi Primary, and Masjid Abubakar, among others.

Practice of Qurbani

Most sermons delivered during the prayers focused on the significance of the day, the importance of Hajj, and the practice of Qurbani.

At the BBS Mosque, Sheikh Mahdi Sharif emphasised the importance of Eid-ul-Adha and the benefits of Hajj in his sermon. He reminded Muslims of the requirement to perform Qurbani, the ritual sacrifice of animals such as goats, cows, and camels, and to share the meat with neighbours and those in need.

Muslim faithful perform Eid-ul-Adha prayers at Business Bay Square Mall in Eastleigh, Nairobi county. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

Ambassador Jabril called for unity and forgiveness among Muslims during the festive season, highlighting the teachings of Prophet Mohammed. "A Muslim is a brother to another Muslim," he said, urging the community to remember this principle.

Speaking to the media, the ambassador expressed pride in witnessing the collective celebration in Eastleigh.

"I am happy to see so many Muslims in Eastleigh celebrating together, sharing happiness, and acting as one community," he said. This marked the second consecutive Eid that the ambassador has celebrated in Eastleigh.

Eastleigh residents converge at the Eastleigh High School ground for Eid-Ul-Adha prayers on June 16, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan conveyed his best wishes to the Muslim community and stressed the importance of unity and generosity.

"It is the time to give out to the less fortunate. It is the right time to feed the needy. I want all of you to remember those in need and share with them what you have," said the MP.

He also addressed the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Palestine, urging Muslims to pray for the people of Palestine.

Following the salah, Muslims exchanged greetings before heading off to their breakfasts.

Eastleigh residents converge at the Eastleigh High School ground for Eid-Ul-Adha prayers on June 16, 2024. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

After the prayers, youth leaders, the MP, the Ambassador, and the Member of County Assembly for Eastleigh North, Ahmedkadar Dabar, had breakfast together at Paradise Hall, continuing to spread messages of unity and forgiveness.

The celebrations in Eastleigh mirrored those across the nation, as Muslims came together to observe one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar.

The day's events underscored the themes of sacrifice, community, and charitable giving, reflecting the core values of Eid-ul-Adha.

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