Eid al-Adha: Let’s remember Ghana in prayers – Bawumias
Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife, Samira, have sent well wishes to all Muslims as they mark Eid al-Adha.
In a video post on social media, Dr Bawumia said: “As we celebrate Eid today, the sacred day of Arafat, let us thank the Almighty Allah for granting Muslims across the world another Eid. Let us continue to pray for his sustenance”.
He noted that: “For the first time in recent history, the Hajj is being performed on a limited basis in the holy land”, adding: “As the Hajj performance is ongoing, the rest of us observe fasting and our supplications in accordance with the teachings of the holy prophet Mohammed”.
“Let us take the opportunity of the blessings this special moment brings and remember our country Ghana and our loved ones in prayers today and tomorrow”, he noted.
Dr Bawumia said: “Eid al-Adha reminds us and teaches us the inspiring story of loyalty, obedience, sacrifice and selflessness of the Prophet Ibrahim who was ordered by Allah to sacrifice his only beloved son and he obeyed Allah’s command.
“On this special occasion I urge all Muslims and all Ghanaians to imbibe the values demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim in our everyday lives towards humanity, our family and our nation,” he said.
The wife of the Vice-President also used the occasion to urged Ghanaians to keep safe from the COVID-19 pandemic by observing all the safety protocols.
“So, as we celebrate this Eid, let us all continue to observe COVID-19 prescribed protocols. Together with my dear husband and our family we wish you all Barka de Sallah,” she said.
Apart from the Bawumias, the Rawlingses have also used the occasion to urge Ghanaians Muslims to pray for the nation as she battles the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a goodwill message, former President Jerry John Rawlings and former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, said: “Nana and I join all Muslims as they mark the Eid al-Adha – the festival of sacrifice, today”.
“Eid al-Adha is meant to remind us of the willingness of Ibrahim to submit to God. That test of faith is worthy of emulation by all, especially during this difficult period of COVID-19.
“Let us use the day to pray for our dear nation as we work to combat the deadly pandemic that has plagued the world”, the Rawlingses said.
The statement urged Ghanaians to keep safe during the COVID-19 period.
“Let us also take advantage of the period to counsel friends and family on the need to adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols of social-distancing, wearing of masks, regular washing of hands and use of hand sanitisers.
“We should also be a blessing on the less-privileged by sharing our celebratory meals with them. We wish all Muslims a solemn celebration. Eid Mubarak! Happy Eid!”
Another former President, Mr John Mahama, has also wished Ghanaian Muslims well.
In his goodwill message, the flag bearer of the biggest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), said: “I send best wishes to our Muslim brothers and sisters as we celebrate Eid al-Adha”.
“May Allah continue to pour his blessings upon our land and prosper every Ghanaian”, he added.
Meanwhile, President Nana Akufo-Addo has, in a statement, said: “I pray we use the occasion of Eid al-Adha to reflect on the spirit of sacrifice and loyalty that inspired Prophet Ibrahim to accept Allah’s command to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Our nation requires this of us – that we sacrifice our abilities and talents to the building of a Ghana Beyond Aid”, he said in a goodwill message, noting that Eid al-Adha “is a celebration of the true essence of Islam – peace and submission to the will of Allah.”
“I urged all Muslims to take advantage of this holy months of Zhul-hijja, to pray for the peace of our nation, as we count down to election 2020”, the President encouraged.
He said: “On my part, I pledge to continue to do my utmost to help build a society of opportunities for all, irrespective of creed, ethnicity or gender”.
Mr Akufo-Addo also urged adherents of Islam not to lose sight of the raging COVID-19 pandemic amid the festivities.
“Even as we celebrate, I urge all of you to continue to observe the protocols that will keep us safe from COVID-19”, he said.
“I’m confident that, insha Allah, next year, we shall celebrate together in a brotherly and sisterly fashion”, he noted.
He added that: “We, the people of the Book – Christians and Muslims – owe it to our Abrahamic ancestry to continue to foster the spirit of unity and peaceful coexistence that have made Ghana the envy of many nations”.
