As thousands of Fijians celebrate Eid al-Adha or commonly known as Bakra Eid today, the Head of the Samabula Mosque, Abdul Alim says this festival of sacrifice will be different this year as there are thousands of Fijians who are needy and need assistance.
Eidal-Adha honours the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ishmael as an act of obedience to God's command. Before Prophet Ibrahim could sacrifice his son, however, God provided a lamb to sacrifice instead.
In commemoration of this intervention, animals are sacrificed ritually.
One-third of their meat is consumed by the family offering the sacrifice, while the rest is distributed to the poor and needy.
Alim says this festival is celebrated to reach the poor in the community.
He says the family who made the sacrifice only keeps a small quantity of the meat, however, he has seen many families give away all their share of the meat to the needy this year.
Alim says a person can get into heaven by doing three things which include living peacefully with everyone, feeding others and being generous, and praying in the evening.
Alim says as part of feeding everyone, it is their duty to help those who are needy and use a certain portion of their income to help them.
He is urging the Muslim community to share the meat with everyone, despite their religion and sharing should not be limited to within their community.
You can catch the Eid al-Adha special program on Radio Sargam from 8.30am to 9am today.
