Statement from the PDL on the Occasion of Arafah and Eid-Ul-Adha Days

Assalam-o-Alaikum!

At the outset, the People’s Democratic League (PDL) would like to recognize Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, a very important day for Muslims in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. It is the beginning of the annual three-day observance commemorating the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for Almighty Allah. We would therefore want to extend best wishes to all Muslims in Sierra Leone for a blessed Dhu al-Hijjah and a blissful and spiritually rewarding Eid-ul-Adha. May Allah Almighty accept their prayers and sacrifices.

Today is 8^th July, 2022 and Arafah day, according to the Islamic Calendar, which falls on the ninth of Dhu al-Hijjah and commemorates finality of the religion of Islam and of Divine revelation. It is basically the climax of Hajj when Muslim pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat and offer a day-long prayer with recitations of the Quran. Since Mount Arafat is approximately 15 kms away from Mecca, the Muslim pilgrims spend a day there to perform the rituals and live in tents from dawn to dusk.

It was on Mount Arafat that Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) gave his last sermon of Islam hence, pilgrims stand here united as a dignified ritual, to seek forgiveness through reflection and prayer and it is this moment that may be described as “standing before God”. While fasting on the Day of Arafah is prohibited for the pilgrims, it is a highly recommended Sunnah for non-pilgrims as it entails a great reward with the belief that Allah forgives the sins of two years.

Ordinarily Arafah Day is viewed by Muslims as a day of gratitude, the next day is celebrated as Eid-ul-Adha which marks another sacrifice by Prophet Ibrahim. Millions of Muslims worldwide who have made it to the Holy land of Makkah move from Mina to mount Arafat, also known as the “Mount of Mercy” for the most important part of the Hajj pilgrimage. Saturday 9^th July, 2022 is therefore the Eid-Ul-Adha day.

As these two historic events are being observed, the People’s Democratic League (PDL) extends its best wishes to Muslims in Sierra Leone and around the world who celebrate these events, both of which mark important milestones on the Islamic calendar. Eid-Ul-Adha, in essence, marks the culmination of the holy pilgrimage and significantly, it is a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s famous sacrifice to Almighty Allah.

Eid is a time for forgiveness, kindness, and compassion. These qualities are the essence of Islam. It is a time of joy and celebration; a time to make peace with all neighbors, relatives and friends, and resolve differences.

In this tumultuous and often-divided world, Eid is a time of forgiveness, understanding, and compassion. Across Sierra Leone, Muslims will be marking the day by gathering for special prayer services, visiting family and friends, exchanging gifts, and making charitable donations. The PDL would like to acknowledge the importance of this day of observance which brings people together to recognize their common humanity.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, like the Ebola virus, Muslims likewise Christians in Sierra Leone have gone above and beyond to help communities all across the country. Whether working on the front lines, helping with vaccine deployment, or ensuring everyone has the support they need, both Muslims and Christians have done an exceptional job of keeping the Sierra Leonean nation safe, and we cannot thank them enough for it. Thanks to the Inter Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRC/SL) for playing pivotal role to save lives and consolidate peace in Sierra Leone.

On this occasion, we would like to remind also our Muslim brothers and sisters in Sierra Leone, of the fact of this day not just being a day for celebrations, but more importantly, a day for them to reflect on their sacrifices, first of all, to their Maker, Almighty Allah and then to non-Muslims and to all Sierra Leoneans in general. We call on all Sierra Leoneans to use these two solemn occasions to renew their covenant with Almighty Allah, to pray for the world and Sierra Leone in particular and to condemn incitements and hate messages and provocative videos being peddled in the social media.

Once again, the PDL wishes all Muslims in Sierra Leone a happy, healthy and blessed Eid al-Adha.

Assalam-o-Alaikum!

Sender:

(Chief) Alimamy Bakarr Sankoh

Founder, Leader and National Chairman

People’s Democratic League

PDL

For and on behalf of PDL members