South Sudanese Muslims Celebrate Eid El Adha

By James Dimo and Mabor Riak

While Eid-ul-Fitr, which was celebrated in July, marked the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting, today’s celebration is known as the Festival of the Sacrifice or the Greater Eid.

In Wau Western Bahr el Ghazal State capital, Muslims congregated at the Freedom Square to celebrate the day.

During the occasion, attended by government officials led by the State Governor, Rizik Zackaria Hassan who is also part of the Muslim faith, peace messages were delivered by key faith leaders.
Messages calling for unity forgiveness and love for one another was reiterated by most speakers in the different occasions in South Sudan.

Addressing the event in Wau, the State Governor, Rizik Zackaria Hassan said Eid El Adha Mubarak for the year 2015 was a historical occasion in the country in the aftermath of the 28 days signed compromise peace deal between the South Sudan government and the rebels in the opposition.

Hassan also thanked the Muslims community in Wau particularly the businessmen who have continued to bring in goods despite the closure of the border between Sudan and South Sudan.

Muslim leader Difala Rajap left, Middle Minister of Gender, Religious Affairs and Social Development, Ezekiel Thiang at Freedom Square during the celebration of Eid el Adha in Rumbek. [Photo by Mabor Riak]

“Our brothers and sisters in Islam as we commemorate today Eid El Mubarak, we are for peace and we need peace, I really thank you during this crisis for your firm stand with the markets activities,” said Hassan.

Meanwhile, in Lakes State, the Ministry of Labour and Public Service issued a ministerial order that all institutions of government, private, international and non-governmental organizations operating in the State join the celebration of the Eid that begun today.

The day has been recognized as a public holiday in South Sudan and work will resume on Monday.

The Minister of Gender and Religious Affairs, in Lakes State Ezekiel Thiang Mangar who joined the rest of the Muslims at Freedom Square in Rumbek to celebrate the day said that Muslims should support development and promote peace in the State.

Marial Kon Wecker, a Muslim in Rumbek said that a group of Muslims will be visiting patients and prisoners during this particular Eid with gifts.

He also said that, “We want as Muslims in Rumbek to have peace, unity and love among our community because there is great suffering; people are not enjoying peace in Lakes State.”

The date of Eid-al-Adha also varies in accordance with the Islamic lunar calendar and marks the end of Hajj.