Photos: Muslims Mark Eid Adhuhia
Muslim faithfuls in Uganda joined the rest worldwide to commemorate the Eid Adhuhia, the feast of Sacrifice in remembrance of the devotion of the great Patriarch Prophet Ibrahim, his Wife Hajara and their son, prophet Ismael. This festival coincides with the Holy Journey to the Holy sanctuary, the Kaaba the first place of monotheistic worship of one God- Allah on Earth.
Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is performed once by financially able Muslim believers.
Delivering his speech to hundreds of Muslims at the National Mosque in Old Kampala, His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda gloried Almighty Allah for having listened and accepted fervent prayers offered by humanity in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged the world.
“Thanks to God that Corona was weakened, so lets beseech Almighty Allah that it is totally eliminated from the face of the earth,” Mufti prayed.
Sheikh Mubaje used the same occasion to inform Ugandan Muslims that the unity drive that was rolled out some time back with Sheikh Abdu Obeid Kamulegeya, the former Chief Kadhi of Uganda, Sheikh Muhammad Yunus Kamoga, the Nakasero Mosque based Amiir Ummah, Sheikh Saliman Kasule Ndirangwa, the the former head of the Kibuli based faction is on course and running well which, has facilitated calmness in the Muslim community resulting in drawing a draft UMSC Constitution by the independent UMSC Constitutional Amendment Commission.
He revealed and that the draft will be tabled before the General Assembly set to start on July 11th- 13th 2022.
Mufti Mubaje reminded Ugandan Muslims to get prepared to participate in the forthcoming UMSC national elections where they will elect Committees for village Mosques, Counties, Districts, Regions, the Executive, and General Assembly purposely to strengthen unity for a viable UMSC that will survive generations to come.
While concluding his remarks, Sheikh Mubaje faulted the Government for pursuing a policy that seems to favour Science teachers over those that teach Arts.
“It is disheartening to hear that Arts teachers are crying for salary increment and yet it was not their fault that they trained in arts because they trained in Gov’t Institutions. So, let the Gov’t phase out Arts in Schools gradually, if not so, let all teachers be paid reasonably because they serve the nation,” Sheikh Mubaje pointed out
Earlier on Hon. Ramathan Mugalu, the UMSC Secretary General informed the Congregants that they shouldn’t rely on whatever is published by the media, but rather stick to official communications from UMSC concerning the ongoing Council meetings.
His presence dispelled rumours that he had been sacked. He ended his speech by informing the Muslims that UMSC activities were running smoothly including the renovation of the entire UMSC Headquarters and the National Mosque.
His Eminence Sheikh Abdallah Ibrahim Ssemambo Tamusuza, the deputy Mufti of Uganda who delivered the eid summon delved much into the essence of the historical day, in which Prophet Ibrahim and his immediate family exercised the highest devotion in the worship of Almighty God that culminated into the construction of the Holy Kaaba, Haj rituals, sanctification of Makkah as a Holy City and the brotherhood of Prophets .
Other preachers included Sheikh Muhammad Murshid Luwemba, the Secretary for Religious Affairs, Mr. Muhammad Ali Aluma, the Secretary for Social Affairs, and Sheikh Abdu Wahid Rashid, the Imaam of the national mosque.
In attendance were, His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the 2nd Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Abdu Obeid Kamulegeya, the former Chief Kadhi of Uganda, Sheikh Hussein Rajab Kakooza, former Chief Kadhi and director of Sharia, Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Kakungulu, the former director of Sharia, Members of the General Assembly, Executive, Majlis Al Ulaama, Management, Prof. Eng. Badru Kiggundu, the former Chairman Electoral Commission, Haj Mutwalib Sajjabi Tezikuba, a former Presidential Advisor, Capt. Hatib Ramadhan Hangi, a staff of State House, prominent Members of the business fraternity and professionals among many others.