By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, May 27, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday joined Muslims to observe the 2026 Eid al-Adha or the Feast of the Sacrifice national prayers at the Black Star Square, in Accra.
The national prayers session was led by the National Chief Imam Sheik Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu.
President Mahama in his message extended his congratulations and heartfelt best wishes to the National Chief Imam and to all Muslims across the country and around the world on the blessed celebration.
He said Eid al-Adha was a festival that reminds humanity of the values of faith, sacrifice, obedience, compassion and complete submission to the will of Allah.
“Today is not just a day of celebration, it is a day of reflection about our relationship with God and our responsibilities towards one another as human beings,” he stated.
President Mahama added: “This sacred festival commemorates the extraordinary obedience and faith of the Prophet Ibrahim, in other words, Abraham, who was prepared to sacrifice his beloved son to fulfill Allah’s command.”
President Mahama noted that the moment Prophet Ibrahim demonstrated complete submission to the will of Allah; Allah, in his mercy, replaced the sacrifice with a ram.
He added that this story remains one of the greatest examples of faith, sacrifice, patience and trust in God.
He said the lessons of Eid al-Adha therefore extend far beyond the slaughtering of animals.
“The occasion calls on us to sacrifice, be selfless, don’t hate one another, not to be greedy, not to divide amongst ourselves, not to be dishonest and not to be indifferent to each other’s suffering, the President said.
The celebration of the sacrifice, he said, also is a reminder that true worship is grounded in sincerity, devotion, humility and compassion.
The President said Allah cautions in the Holy Qur’an, in Surah, Al-Haj, that “their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Allah is piety from you”.
“So, it’s not the meat that is slaughtered or the blood that is spilled, that will reach Allah, what will reach Allah is your heart and how pious you are,” he said.
President Mahama explained that this verse beautifully teaches that Allah values not only the physical sacrifice, but also the righteousness, devotion and charity behind the sacrifice.
He said Islam also teaches that the meat from the sacrifice should be shared amongst family, friends, neighbors and most importantly the poor and vulnerable in society.
He noted that this rate of sharing and caring was among the greatest strength of the Islamic religion.
President Mahama reminded the Islamic faithful that the message of Eid was particularly important in today’s world where many societies were facing division, intolerance, violence and conflict.
President Mahama observed that Ghana continued to stand out as a shining example of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and backgrounds, and that Christians and Muslims had lived together harmoniously for generations, sharing communities, schools, businesses and even family ties.
“We must continue to preserve and strengthen this harmony. I urge all Ghanaians irrespective of religion or ethnicity to continue promoting peace, tolerance, understanding and mutual respect.” the President said.
He added: “We must reject extremism, political intolerance, tribal divisions and all acts that threaten our national unity.”
President Mahama said as Muslims were guided by the teachings and examples of the holy prophets, Muhammad, peace be upon him, whose life embodied mercy, humility, honesty, kindness and justice.
The President said they were also blessed in Ghana to have the enduring example of a revered National Chief Imam, Sheik Dr. Osman Nuhu Shahrbutu, whose life continues to inspire all guardians through his humility, his compassion, his simplicity, his tolerance and his peace building.
“Let us emulate these noble virtues in our daily life’s doom.”
He specially encouraged the nation’s young people to remain disciplined, law abiding, respectful and responsible citizens.
He urged the youth to avoid drug addiction, adding that the nation needed young people focused on education, skills, hard work, entrepreneurship and service to humanity.
GNA.
Edited by Benjamin Mensah