- The announcement was made in a special Gazette Notice
- The muslim festival commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac as commanded by God
The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kithure Kindiki, has officially declared Wednesday, June 28, a public holiday to commemorate Eid-Ul-Adha (Idd-Ul-Azha).
The announcement was made in a Special Gazette Notice issued on Monday, in accordance with the Public Holidays Act.
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Eid-Ul-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Bakra Eid, is an important Islamic festival celebrated by Muslims around the world. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, as mentioned in the Quran.
Eid-Ul-Adha is observed on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, following the completion of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca called Hajj. It is a time of great significance and joy for Muslims.
The festival involves several rituals and practices. Muslims begin the day with congregational prayers at the mosque, wearing their finest attire. After the prayers, a sermon is delivered, highlighting the significance of sacrifice, obedience, and devotion to God.
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One of the central rituals of Eid-Ul-Adha is the sacrifice of an animal, typically a goat, sheep, cow, or camel, symbolizing Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son.
The meat from the sacrificed animal is divided into three parts: one-third is consumed by the immediate family, one-third is shared with friends and relatives, and one-third is donated to the less fortunate.
Eid-Ul-Adha is a time for Muslims to come together, strengthen community bonds, and show generosity towards others.
It is customary to give gifts and provide assistance to those in need. Families and friends gather to enjoy festive meals and celebrate the occasion with joy and gratitude.