28/05/2026
Kalemba boss in ‘Eid’ spirit
This week, Muslims across the globe celebrated Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice. The celebration honours the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command.
For Kalemba editor-in-chief Dawood Salim, a devout Muslim, “Eid al-Adha should inspire us to be better human beings, better citizens, better spouses, better siblings, better friends, better neighbours and better believers.”
Eid al-Adha is celebrated by first performing Eid prayers and then slaughtering animals such as cattle, sheep and goats for consumption and distribution among neighbours and the needy.
Salim, who is currently on an annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, explains that Eid al-Adha is very special to him as a Muslim because it symbolises solidarity with Prophet Abraham, who is regarded as a friend of Allah.
According to Salim, Prophet Abraham gained a special place with Allah because of his obedience and willingness to go the extra mile in following God's commands.
“And because of that, he is very special in Islam, and Muslims are encouraged to follow his example. Abraham was prepared and ready to sacrifice his own son for the pleasure of Allah, but as Muslims, we do not have to sacrifice our children or any human being for that matter,” he says.
“All we have to do is sacrifice cows, sheep or goats, and share the meat with our neighbours, family, friends and the needy.”
Salim also encourages fellow Muslims to introspect and examine their character in order to please Allah.
In Zambia, the Feast of Sacrifice was declared on Wednesday. The date changes each year because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle.
CREDIT: THOMAS NGALA/DAILY MAIL