Muslims mark Eid ul Adh’ha with Calls for unity and compassion

Eid ul Adh’ha prayers were marked across the country with strong calls for unity, peaceful coexistence, and generosity towards the vulnerable, as Muslims joined the global Islamic community in commemorating one of the holiest events in the Islamic calendar.

For the first time in several years, the special Eid prayers, which coincide with the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah, were observed on the same day across the country, reflecting a sense of cohesion among the Muslim faithful. From Nairobi to Mombasa, Kisumu, Garissa, and other major towns, thousands of worshippers streamed into mosques and prayer grounds early in the morning to take part in the celebrations alongside the more than two billion Muslims worldwide observing Eid ul Adha.

The day was characterised by messages of peace, sacrifice, compassion, and national harmony, with leaders urging Kenyans to uphold unity at a time when the country continues to face social, political, and economic challenges.

Delivering his sermon at Fedha Mosque in Nairobi, Acting Chief Kadhi Sheikh Sukyan Hassan Omar called on Muslims and Kenyans at large to embrace the spirit of unity and avoid actions or utterances that could sow division, hatred, and discord within society.

“This Eid teaches us peace, love, unity, and care for humanity. We call upon leaders, citizens, and communities across our nation and the world to uphold peace, justice, and unity, reject hate speech, violence, and division, and support policies that uplift the poor, vulnerable, sick, and oppressed,” he said.

He noted that Eid ul Adha goes beyond celebration and feasting, describing it as a period of reflection on faith, obedience, sacrifice, and devotion to God, values demonstrated through the life of Prophet Ibrahim o him be Allah’s peace. Sheikh Sukyan urged Muslims to extend the spirit of Eid through acts of kindness, charity, and compassion towards all members of society.

“Let us show kindness to parents, spouses, children, relatives, neighbours, prisoners, and all those in hardship. Celebrate this Eid with gratitude and responsibility, while avoiding sins, immorality, extravagance, and actions that displease Allah,” he added.

Sheikh Ibrahim Njuguna leading prayers at the Sir Ali Muslim Club, Nairobi

At the Sir Ali Muslim Club grounds in Nairobi, thousands of faithful gathered for prayers led by Sheikh Ibrahim Njuguna, the Da’wah officer at Al Ameen Mosque. The atmosphere was filled with devotion as worshippers listened to sermons centred on sacrifice, brotherhood, and social responsibility.

In his sermon, Sheikh Njuguna described Eid al-Adh’ha as a timeless symbol of faith, submission, sacrifice, and loyalty to Allah. He called on Muslims to strengthen the bonds of togetherness and work collectively for the common good of society.

“Eid fosters brotherhood and encourages us to maintain this spirit of unity. We should also support the less privileged in society without forgetting people of other faiths,” he said.

He further reminded the faithful of the unwavering obedience of Prophet Ibrahim, whose willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Allah forms the foundation of Eid ul Adh’ha celebrations. He said the lessons drawn from the lives of Prophet Ibrahim and other prophets should inspire believers to make positive sacrifices that contribute to the well-being of their families and society.

“Ibrahim and other Prophets made great sacrifices and through emulating their sacrifices, we can positively impact our lives and society as a whole,” he said.

Dr Islam Muhammad Salim led prayers at the Umm Kulthum Mosque in Kizingo, Mombasa

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who joined worshippers during the prayers, echoed the calls for national unity and urged leaders across the political divide to prioritise cohesion and peaceful coexistence for the stability and progress of the country.

He also encouraged Muslims to embrace the spirit of sharing and generosity associated with Eid ul Adha by supporting vulnerable families.

“We must continue to stand together as one people and avoid looking at one another through the lenses of tribe, religion, or political affiliation. Eid reminds us of the importance of sacrifice, compassion, and caring for those who are less fortunate,” said Duale.

On matters of public health, the CS assured the country that the government had heightened surveillance at border points and in high-risk counties to prevent any possible spread of Ebola into Kenya following concerns over outbreaks reported in parts of the region.

In his Eid goodwill message to Muslims, President William Ruto called for unity, peace, and compassion among Kenyans. The President urged citizens to use the occasion to strengthen unity and coexistence while remembering the needy in society.

“The occasion also calls upon us to remember the less fortunate, strengthen the bonds of unity and coexistence, and reaffirm our shared commitment to peace and harmony as one nation,” said the President.

One of the central rituals of Eid ul Adh’ha is the slaughtering of animals, including goats, sheep, cows, and camels, in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. In keeping with Islamic teachings, the meat from the sacrifice is shared among family members, neighbours, and the less fortunate, symbolising generosity, equality, and care for the community.

Across many neighbourhoods, families and charitable organisations distributed food and meat donations to vulnerable households, ensuring that the spirit of Eid reached even those unable to afford a celebratory meal. For many Muslims, the day serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, sacrifice, and social solidarity in building a peaceful and united nation.