Cameroon: Muslims call for solidarity, self-sacrifice
By Shout-Africa Cameroon Correspondent – The Imam of Douala, Mohammad, made the call during a prayer session to celebrate the 1432th edition of the Tabaski in Douala Sunday.
Imam slaughtering the sheep of the sacrifice in the open air
Muslims in the economic capital, Douala, on Sunday, November 6, 2011, celebrated the Eid-Ul-Adha, aka the Feast of Sacrifice, or Day of Sacrifice, with pomp and solemnity. Early November 6, the followers of Mohammed from across the metropolitan Douala observed a moment of prayer in open air at the “Base ELF”.
The presiding Imam, His Eminence Mohammad, preached on the good conduct of a Muslim as being one in which will be rewarded by Allah. A good Muslim is one who carries out good works and purifies the heart. The Morning Prayer was followed by a short sermon on immolation that started with Abraham who sacrificed his son Ishmael and the call for solidarity, commitment, obedience and self-sacrifice to Allah. The Muslims offered a sheep, which was slaughtered on the after the sermon by the Imam, as a symbol of Ibrahim’s sacrifice. Speaking on the significance of the feast of the sacrifice His Eminence Mohommad said it is in commemoration of the command given by Allah to Prophet Abraham – may Allah be pleased with him – to sacrifice his first born son Ishmael to Him. The fulfilment of this noble command of Allah by Abraham signifies his faith in Allah. After the prayer session attended among others by the Governor of the Littoral, Francis Fai Yengo, DUC Government Delegate, Fritz Ntone Ntone, as well as MP for Wouri Centre, Hon. Dooh Collins, the followers of Mohammed socialized in homes. People visited each other’s homes and partook in festive meals with special dishes, beverages, and desserts.
El Hadj Mouhamadou Yakoubou, President of the Orgainsing Committee, explained that the Aid Kabir or Tabaski is observed after the Hajj – the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. “We have prayed Allah to give us health and a new life to live the next Tabaski. I am very satisfied with the organisation.” To Imam Mohamdou Malik Farouc, Tabaski is a day of remembrance. Even in the most joyful times, the Muslim makes a fresh start of the day by a session of congregational prayers to Allah in an open space. Speaking shortly after the prayers, Governor Francis Fai Yengo urged the Muslims as well as the general public to practice the solidarity among Muslims, take the call for hard work and the spirit of oneness to workplaces, homes and all the aspects of daily lives to promote children and families.
