Muslims leaders asked to use Eid- ul Adha to preach peace
 
From Bolgatanga, Radio Ghana's Isaac Asare, reports that, hundreds of orthodox Muslims and sympathizers converged on NAFAC grounds to offer prayers to Allah for a successful fasting season and also share in the joy of the festivity, which serves as the feast of sacrifice.  

The day is in remembrance of the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his only son Ismael, a moment the Muslim world deem as an act of submission to Allah’s command.  

On Eid, Muslims are enjoined to reflect on the significance of the sacrifice with feast and merry making to represent represents the ram that Abraham sacrificed in place of his son. 

In a message, the Upper East Regional Minister, Albert Abongo urged the Muslim community to demonstrate Islamic teachings of brotherliness and tolerance even to non- Muslim members. 

He moreover, charged Muslims leaders to take advantage of the election period to propagate the message of peace and togetherness as Ghanaians are noted for. 

Mr Abongo also used the occasion to appeal to his fellow politicians to pursue their political agenda with decorum. 

He urged them to concentrate on issues that would move the nation beyond where it finds itself devoid of personality attacks. 

He prayed for protection and safe arrival of Muslims who are in Mecca to perform the Hajj. 

The Regional Minister called on Allah to accept their prayer and grant them continued peace and blessings back home. 

In a sermon, the Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Yusif Adams, admonished Muslims to chart a common path by emulating the shining examples of the Holy Prophet. 

He also urged the President and Ghanaians in general to work towards ensuring a smooth and peaceful electoral process. 

He further entreated. Prayers were said to seek Allah’s blessing for a peaceful election come December, 7.  

A ram was later slaughtered to exemplify the act of sacrifice by Prophet Ibrahim. Other Muslim sects in the region including the Tijania's observed the day at separate venues.

From the Eastern Region, Radio Ghana’s correspondent , Kwamina Onumah, reports that the Regional Minister, Mavis Ama Frimpong  joined Muslims to celebrate the Eidul Adah at the Koforidua Central Mosque at Srodai.

The Regional Chief Imam, Alhaji Yussif Amudani Sulemana, led the congregation in the Islamic prayers before giving a  word of exhortation advising the youth not  to allow themselves to be used by the politicians to cause mayhem in the country.

He also implored religious bodies to abstain from partisan politics to enhance peace and unity in Ghana.

Addressing the congregation, the Regional Minister Mrs. Frimpong noted that Allah does not like human blood that is why he provided a ram to be used by Prophet Ibrahim for the sacrifice instead of his son Ismael. 

She therefore advised Ghanaians to learn from the example and help conduct this year's election without spilling blood.

Madam Frimpong called on Ghanaians to trace the track record of President John Dramani Mahama in terms of development projects and give him another chance to continue with the good plans he has for Ghana.

A ram was slaughtered to symbolise the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim.

GBC