NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul, 8 – The Government has declared Monday, July 11, 2022, a public holiday to commemorate the Muslim holiday of Eid Ul Adha.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i made the announcement via a gazette notice dated July,8,2022.
“It is notified for general information that in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 3 as read with section 2 (2) of the Public Holidays Act (Cap 110, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and coordination of National Government declares Monday,11,July 2022 a public holiday marking Idd uL Adha,” read the gazette notice.
The annual festival of Eid al-Adha – the Festival of Sacrifice – falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and last month of the Muslim lunar calendar.
Eid al-Adha is the second major Muslim festival after Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting.
Muslims believe the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) was tested by God who commanded him to sacrifice his first-born son, Ismail (Ishmail).
Ibrahim was prepared to submit to the command, but God stayed his hand. Instead, he was told to sacrifice an animal, likely a lamb or sheep.
The Torah and the Old Testament both recount a similar version of this story.
The event also marks the end of Hajj, a five-day pilgrimage all able-bodied and financially capable Muslims are obliged to undertake once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage is believed to cleanse the soul of sins and instil a sense of equality, sisterhood and brotherhood.
Performing extra prayers in the morning are how most Muslims begin celebrating Eid.
Mosques are packed with worshippers with outside arrangements made to accommodate large groups of people.
The occasion is marked by the sacrifice of an animal that Muslims can eat – a goat, sheep, cow or camel – by those who can afford to do so.
In many parts of the Muslim world, special livestock markets are set up for people to buy an animal for the Eid sacrifice.
The meat of the sacrificed animal is divided among three groups: the person sacrificing it and their immediate family, extended family and friends, and those in need.
Some Muslims will pay the value of an animal to one of a number of Muslim charities around the world that collect funds for remote animal sacrifices, distributing the meat to underprivileged groups – including refugees, the elderly and disabled people.
Additional reporting courtesy.
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