Muslims invite public to celebrate Eid in Old Harbour

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Jul 29, 2020 08:25 PM | Religion

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at mosque along Old Harbour Road, St Catherine

President and missionary in charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Jamaica, Tariq Azeem, says the religious group will be opening its doors to the public “to observe and learn” about Eid-ul-Azha, the most important event on Islamic calendar.

On 31st of July Muslims across the globe will be celebrating Eid, however, due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), foreigners will not be allowed to attend the pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Here in Jamaica where the government has been slowly lifting restrictions and given the small Muslim population on the island, locals, who want to learn more about the faith, are being welcome.

“Eid-ul-Azha translates to celebration of sacrifice. On this day Muslims remind themselves of the sacrifice Prophet Abraham made, when he obeyed the instructions of God Almighty and was ready to slaughter his son in God's cause,” Azeem said.

“This important sacrifice from history has taught us many lessons. Firstly it brought an end to human sacrifice, a brutality which was considered a norm until then. Secondly, it gave us a lesson of sacrifice; that we shall always be ready to lay our lives for greater purposes, such as for faith, country and human rights.”

“The Holy Quran, the holy scripture of Muslims, clearly forbids taking your own life or life of another,” he added. “However, it inculcates a spirit of sacrifice for any noble cause. Eid-ul-Azha serves to remind us the importance of sacrifice each year.”

The event will start at 10 o’clock in the morning and will be conducted in line with established COVID-19 protocols declared by the government.

“If anyone would like to observe and learn more about this major global celebration, please visit the mosque on Old Harbour Road, or call 876-283-9533,” said the chief missionary.