EID AL HAJ

Bagamoyo: Thousands of Muslims at Bagamoyo joined hands with millions of Muslims throughout the world to observe Eid Al Hajj prayers on Thursday morning. The performance of Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islamic Faith which is pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia and takes place during the last month of the Islamic Calendar.

At Bagamoyo, hundreds of Muslims including women and children gathered at Masjid Rehman where the Eid Al Hajj prayers were conducted in the morning just after sun rise.

The Imam of the Masjid Rehman, Ustad Haji Abdul Rehman delivered the Sermons after prayers. He narrated the religious hadith behind the story of how and where the ritual of Hajj performance started with the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He was instructed by Almighty God to slaughter his son Hazrat Ismail (AS) but as he was about to carry out the command of God, a replacement was made and a sheep took the place of Hazrat Ismail (AS). And hence Muslims follow the religious tradition and slaughter either goat, sheep or camel and distribute the meat to those who deserve to be given a portion of it and close relatives and friends.

Ustad Haji Abdul Rehman also reminded all Muslims to abide by the principle of maintaining peace and tranquility during the forthcoming General Elections in the country which was, as at yesterday only  29 days to go. 

The Imam of Masjid Rehman, Ustad Haji Abdul Rehman delivering the Sermon after Eid al Hajj Prayers at Bagamoyo on Thursday morning. Hundreds of Muslims attended the prayers.

Muslims at the Eid Al Hajj prayers at Masjid Rehman at Bagamoyo.

Muslims greeting each other after prayers.

After conduct of Eid Al Hajj prayers, those who could afford to slaughter goat, sheep or cow were seen busy performing the religious event.

In Saudi Arabia, media reported that as the Hajj Pilgrimage time came close to the last stages, a serious unexpected  human stampede occurred and about 707 people died. Many others were also injured during the stampede and were promptly taken to hospitals for further treatment. Three Tanzanians were reported to be among those injured. A few days earlier, due to heavy storm and gush of wind, a huge crane which was involved in construction works at Makkah, collapsed and killed 107 people and also many others were injured during the accident.

Story & Pix by Abdul Hai