Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile sends his warmest wishes to all Muslims, as they begin celebrating Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice.
Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael, in keeping with God’s command. It also marks the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.
“Eid Mubarak to our Muslim brothers and sisters who are celebrating this significant religious holiday over the next few days,” said Mashatile.
Eid al-Adha is traditionally marked with prayers and the slaughter of sheep or cattle; the meat is shared with family, friends and the poor. The significance though is far greater, according to the Qur'an it is neither the meat nor blood that reaches God but the worshippers’ piety.
“As a country, we are no strangers to sacrifice. It was acts of selflessness by brave men and women that helped create our diverse nation. As we look ahead to our twenty years of democracy next year, we must acknowledge that much has been achieved, but there is still more to be done.
Let us draw fresh inspiration from this the Feast of Sacrifice and work together to build a better South Africa, ‘’concluded Mashatile.
Enquiries:
Mogomotsi Mogodiri
E-mail: mogomotsim@dac.gov.za
Cell: 071 687 4984
