Eid al-Adha prayers in Uganda

Muslims around the world are marking Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice – the most important holiday of the Islamic calendar.

During this holiday – the second of two religious holidays celebrated by Muslims worldwide each year – Muslims families visit each other at home and exchange gifts.

Here in Uganda, faithful early Thursday made their way to various mosques across the country for prayers.

Earlier, Hajj Nsereko Mutumba, the spokesperson of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) said Muslims should first study how and when to slaughter before they go into the act so that they fully gain from their sacrifice.

For this event, Muslims slaughter animals such including goats, sheep, cattle and camels, says New Vision reporter Ashraf Saif-llah Kasirye.

It is understood the slaughtering ritual goes on for three days after Eid day so that those who couldn't do it on Eid can still do it later, he adds.
 

 

 

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A group of Muslims in Arua being driven for prayers early on Thursday. (Credit: Bosco King)

 

 

 

 

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Others, like this father and his children in the same town, used a bodaboda (motorcycle). (Credit: Bosco King)

 

 

 

 

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Arriving for prayers at Old Kampala Mosque. (Credit: Godiver Asege)

 

 

 

 

 

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Faithful, young and old, left their homes and headed for prayers at Old Kampala Mosque. (Credit: Godiver Asege)

 

 

 

 

 

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And it was no different in different parts of the city, like at Nakivubo Blue Primary School, where Eid prayers were also conducted. (Credit: Ramadhan Abbey)

 

 

 

 

 

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Female faithful attending Eid al-Adha prayers at Arua Hill, Boma Ground on a hot morning. (Credit: Bosco King)

 

 

 

 

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These Muslims from Saudi Arabia also attended the prayers in Arua. (Credit: Bosco King)

 

 

 

 

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At Old Kampala Mosque, there was a heavy flow of faithful into the place of worship. (Credit: Ashraf Saif-llah Kasirye)

 

 

 

 

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Security at the entrance of the mosque was tight. (Credit: Ashraf Saif-llah Kasirye)

 

 

 

 

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Prayers started early on Thursday at Old Kampala Mosque. (Credit: Ashraf Saif-llah Kasirye)

 

 

 

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Eid al-Adha is the second of two religious holidays celebrated by Muslims worldwide each year. (Credit: Ashraf Saif-llah Kasirye)

 

 

 

 

Eid al-Adha is the latter of the two Eid holidays, the former being Eid al-Fitr. (Ashraf Saif-llah Kasirye)

 

 

 

 

Faithful pray inside the majestic Old Kampala Mosque on Thursday. (Credit: Roderick Ahimbazwe)

 

 

 

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Muslim women laid out their prayer mats outside the Old Kampala Mosque on Thursday. (Credit: Godiver Asege)

 

 

 

 

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Eid al-Adha honors the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, as an act of submission to Allah's command, before Allah (God) then intervened, through his angel Jibra'il and informs him that his sacrifice has already been accepted.  (Credit: Roderick Ahimbazwe)

 

 

 

 

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The Eid al-Adha prayer is performed any time after the sun completely rises up to just before the entering of Zuhr time, on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah. (Credit: Roderick Ahimbazwe)

 

 

 

 

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Muslims leave after early morning prayers at Old Kampala Mosque. (Credit: Roderick Ahimbazwe)

 

 

 

 

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For these Muslims from Nigeria, there was also a moment for a group selfie ('groupie', maybe?) after prayers. (Credit: Roderick Ahimbazwe)

 

 

 

 

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A man keeps shoes for those entering  Old Kampala  Mosque. (Credit: Roderick Ahimbazwe)

 

 

 

 

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Dates, anyone? It's also business for some at the mosque, like this boy selling dates. (Credit: Roderick Ahimbazwe)

 

 

 

 

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Faithful leaving the mosque after Eid prayers in Rukungiri on Thursday. (Credit: Caleb Bahikaho)

 

 

 

 

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Muslims of Tabliq sector performing Eid al-Adha prayer at Nakivubo Blue Primary School Kampala. (Credit: Ramadhan Abbey)

 

 

 

 

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Prayers underway at Nakivubo Blue Primary School Kampala. (Credit: Ramadhan Abbey)

 

 

 

At Mukono Central Mosque . . .

 

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Sheikh Rashid Batuusa preaching to the Muslims during Eid prayers. (Credit: Henry Nsubuga)
 

 

 

 

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Sheikh Rashid Batuusa preached on Thursday in Mukono as the Muslim world marked an important day of the calender. (Credit: Henry Nsubuga)

 

 

 

 

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Prayers were held outside the mosque. (Credit: Henry Nsubuga)

 

 

 

 

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