Imam Iddrisu Alhassan Iddrisu has called on Muslims to embrace peace and avoid electoral violence to ensure a peaceful 2024 election.

According to him, maintaining peace will help Ghana remain a beacon of democracy in Africa.

Speaking during the Eid-ul-Adha prayer at the East Legon mosque, Imam Iddrisu said, “We also pray for a peaceful election so that Ghana will once again make Africa proud as always being a beacon of democracy in Africa. As we enter an election year to decide the next phase of governance for Ghana, let’s have the following at the back of our minds in order to avoid electoral violence and secure peace in our country.

"Remember, violence only leads to destruction and suffering. Understand that differing opinions are a natural part of democracy. Respect your peers' opinions, even if they differ from yours. Refrain from using hate speech or derogatory language against opposing candidates or their supporters.”

Muslims across the world are celebrating Eid-ul-Adha to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah (SWT) and his readiness to sacrifice his son, Ismail. The celebrations, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is the second of the two Islamic festivities, celebrated annually worldwide.

Muslims approach God on this day by sacrificing a sheep, a cow, or a camel and distributing the meat to the poor. They unite to pray together with family and friends and show love. Eid-ul-Adha falls on the tenth day in the twelfth month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar, Dhul-Hijjah, which allows families, loved ones, and communities to fraternize. The date is dependent on the legitimate sighting of the moon, following the completion of the annual Holy Pilgrimage of Hajj – an obligation for all Muslims.

The command from Allah (SWT) is a test of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness and commitment to obey his Lord’s command without question. At the point of sacrifice, Allah (SWT) replaced Ismail with a ram, which was to be slaughtered in place of his son. During the celebration, the sacrificial animal must be a sheep, lamb, goat, cow, bull, or camel; the sheep, lamb, or goat consists of one share, whereas a bull, cow, or camel consist of seven shares per animal. The animal must be in good health and over a certain age to be slaughtered in a “halal” friendly, Islamic way.

The meat is then divided into three equal portions per share: one-third for the owner and family, one-third for friends, and the final third to be donated to those in need.

NAY/ADG