By Sulaiman Kauki
KAMPALA. Muslims have been urged to embrace sacrifice, unity and forgiveness as they prepare for Idd ul-Adhuha celebrations scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, 2026, with prayers expected to be conducted under strict public health guidelines following the Ebola outbreak in neighbouring DRC.
Delivering the main sermon at the Gaddafi National Mosque on Friday may 22nd 2026, Sheikh Imran Abdnoor Ssali, who also serves as the Secretary for Religious Affairs at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), emphasized that sacrifice remains one of the most significant acts of worship in Islam.
Quoting the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Sheikh Ssali said: “No deed performed by the son of Adam on the Day of Sacrifice is more beloved to Allah than shedding blood of the sacrifice.”
He reminded worshippers that the essence of Idd sacrifice is rooted in obedience to Allah and the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim.
“The sacrifice is from the Sunnah- traditions of Prophet Muhammad and also the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim,” he said, noting that what matters most is not the meat or blood, but sincerity and piety.
“It is not the meat or the blood that reaches Allah, but the piety and sincerity,” he quoted the Holy Quranic verse, urging Muslims to ensure that IDD rituals are carried out with devotion and humility.
Sheikh Ssali also called on Muslims to use the Idd period to strengthen social bonds through sharing, generosity and kindness.
“It is recommended to eat from the sacrifice, give some in charity and share some with others,” he said.
He further appealed for reconciliation and unity among believers, stressing that Idd should be a moment of cleansing hearts and restoring broken relationships.
“One of the greatest wishes on Idd is the purification of hearts between brothers, neighbours and relatives,” he noted.
Describing Idd as a time of joy and remembrance of Allah, Sheikh Ssali encouraged Muslims to celebrate in lawful ways while maintaining spiritual discipline.
“These are days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah,” he said, adding that families should be generous and welcoming during the festivities.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of UMSC, Haji Abas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, has called on Muslims to turn up early for Idd prayers and adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued by government as a precaution against the Ebola outbreak linked to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He announced that Idd prayers will begin at 9:00am and conclude by 9:30am to allow worshippers to return home in time for celebrations.
The early scheduling, he said, is part of efforts to ensure safety while maintaining the sanctity of the Idd prayers.
Idd ul Adhuha, one of the most significant Islamic festivals, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismael in obedience to Allah before a ram was provided as a substitute.