General News of Friday, 21 January 2005

Source: RADIO JUSTICE-TAMALE

Tamale Moslems Divided Over Celebration Of Eid-Ul-Adha Day

Moslems throughout the world yesterday celebrated Eid-ul-Adha, festival of sacrifice. Haj or pilgrimage to Makka, Saudi Arabia, is one of the pillars of Islam. It is an obligation once in a lifetime for every Moslem who is physically and financially able to perform. The end of the pilgrimage is marked by a festival known as Eid-ul-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers. In Tamale, there was disagreement on the day of the celebration. While some Muslims marked the day yesterday, others are celebrating it today.

Commemorating the day at the Tamale Police Park yesterday, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Alhaji Iddsrisu Adam called on all Moslems, especially the youth, to be law abiding. He advocated mutual respect between the youth and the elderly, a! nd urged them to let the teachings of the religion be their guide. Alhaji Iddrisu appealed to the people to honour their tax obligations to enable the Assembly develop the area, whiles calling on all to observe cleanliness, in order to keep diseases at bay. The messages that run through sermons of the various Imams yesterday were for all to tolerate one another and the youth to obey their parents and eschew all forms of violence.

The Imams also prayed for lasting peace in Dagbon, Northern region and the country at large. Alhaji A. Adam of the Tamale Central mosque led prayers at the Police park and the Ahmadis were led by the missioner in-charge, Maulvi Muzafar Ahmed Durani at the forecourt of the Tamale police headquarters.