Wednesday 28th June 2023 declared a statutory public holiday
The general public is hereby informed that Wednesday, 28th June, 2023 which marks Eid-ul-Adha, is a Statutory Public Holiday and should be observed as such throughout the country.
Signed
AMBROSE DERY (MP)
MINISTER FOR THE INTERIOR
Issued in Accra this Tuesday, June 20, 2023
The reasons why Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha
Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, for several reasons. Here are the main reasons behind the celebration:
- Commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s Sacrifice: Eid-ul-Adha marks the commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail, as an act of obedience to Allah (God). As the story goes, just as Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son, Allah provided a ram as a substitute. This event demonstrates Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and submission to Allah’s command.
- Obedience to Allah’s Command: Eid-ul-Adha symbolizes the importance of obedience to Allah’s commands. Muslims celebrate this festival to remember the significance of following Allah’s instructions and to renew their commitment to obedience and devotion.
- Emphasis on Sacrifice: The festival highlights the concept of sacrifice in Islam. It serves as a reminder that Muslims should be willing to sacrifice their time, wealth, and desires in obedience to Allah and for the betterment of humanity. The sacrificial act also symbolizes Muslims’ willingness to give up their worldly attachments for the sake of their faith.
- Celebration of Unity and Brotherhood: Eid-ul-Adha brings Muslims together in a spirit of unity and brotherhood. Muslims from diverse backgrounds and communities come together to pray, exchange greetings, share meals, and support one another during this festive occasion. It fosters a sense of community and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood among Muslims.
- Generosity and Charity: Eid-ul-Adha is a time for Muslims to practice generosity and engage in acts of charity. In addition to the obligatory act of sacrificing an animal (Qurbani), Muslims are encouraged to give to those in need and share their blessings with the less fortunate. This generosity and charitable giving are integral parts of the festival.
- Reflection on Personal Sacrifices: Eid-ul-Adha serves as a time for Muslims to reflect on their personal sacrifices in life. It encourages self-reflection, introspection, and gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon them. It is a time to evaluate one’s actions and make efforts to improve oneself, seeking forgiveness and spiritual growth.
- Pilgrimage (Hajj) Connection: Eid-ul-Adha is closely associated with the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, known as Hajj. Muslims who are performing Hajj celebrate Eid-ul-Adha as part of the rituals. The celebration of Eid-ul-Adha is also a way for Muslims who are not on Hajj to feel connected to the pilgrimage and to participate in its spiritual significance.
Overall, Eid-ul-Adha is a joyous occasion for Muslims that commemorates the obedience, faith, and sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim. It promotes unity, brotherhood, charity, and spiritual reflection, while reinforcing the values of obedience and devotion to Allah.