Muslims across the country have called for unity and compassion as they joined millions around the world in celebrating Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice.

Eid al-Adha, celebrated yesterday, is usually marked by early morning prayers, acts of charity, and the ritual slaughter of animals in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to God. 

The Festival of Sacrifice is observed on the tenth day of Dhul Hijja in the Islamic lunar calendar, coinciding with the culmination of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

During prayers led by Sheikh Islam Salim at the Ummy Kulthum mosque grounds in Kizingo, Mombasa County, worshippers were urged to unite, show love and assist the needy.

The faithful were also reminded to observe the teachings of the Qur’an in performing the ritual sacrifice.

“I urge Muslims to totally submit to Allah and ensure they follow his teachings and the guidance of Prophet Mohamed,” said Sheikh Salim.

In Nairobi, mosques and open prayer grounds, including Jamia and Highway Secondary School grounds in South B, worshippers gathered in large numbers, dressed in their finest attire jubilating and praying  

The spirit and sacrifice was also felt as muslims emphasized on the importance of sharing with the less fortunate.

 "While we are grateful to be able to celebrate Eid, our hearts are with our brothers and sisters in Palestine. We pray for peace and justice for them, ”said Ahmed Yusuf, a preacher.

Families and community organisations distributed meat and other meals to the needy in a bid to ensure that the blessings of Eid reached everyone. 

For local traders, particularly those dealing with livestock and meat, the day brought economic blessings.

Goat and sheep sellers at Nairobi's Burma and Kiamaiko were in high spirits, saying that the celebrations had given them lots of profit.

"Alhamdudillah! Business has been very good this day. From morning, people have come in plenty to buy animals for Qurbani, and we are happy to be part of their celebration.”said a Kiamaiko market vendor who only identified himself as Ali.

In Western region, the Muslim faithful asked the government to bring to book those behind the murder of Catholic priest Allois Bett, and vowed to remain unmoved in their quest for a better and peaceful country.

The muslims vowed not to succumb to death threats, but continue to criticise the government and speak against ills in the society despite the killing of Catholic priests.

"Those criminals who are hiding behind politics by intimidating and threatening the clerics not to speak against the ills happening in our society or in government and commit crimes, I want to tell them that they will not succeed," said Sheikh Ramadhan Musa of the Busia Muslim Association.

"We are going to be and remain the voice of the voiceless in our country and speak out against the problems that are affecting ordinary Kenyans. Those who think that by killing one or two of us will stop us from championing for a better society and country are doomed. We will continue criticising where things are going wrong, and we are going to maintain our firm stand against bad things in our country," Musa said.

The preacher urged politicians to exercise tolerance and stop attacking their competitors and disrupting their meetings.

 Report by Fiddelis Mogaka, Patrick Beja and Benard Lusigi.