Sheikh Alhassan Abukari Issah, Northern Regional Chairman of the Muslim Council, has called on Muslims to include non-Muslims in the sharing of Eid-ul-Adha meat, highlighting the importance of fostering unity, compassion, and inclusiveness.
He pointed out that although Eid-ul-Adha is a significant Islamic festival, its spirit should not be confined to Muslims alone. Rather, the blessings—especially the distribution of sacrificial meat—should be extended to people of other faiths as a gesture of goodwill.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, Sheikh Issah explained that sharing the joy and meat of Eid-ul-Adha with non-Muslims can promote interfaith understanding and encourage peaceful coexistence among different religious groups.
“Islam stands for peace and non-discrimination. By sharing with non-Muslims, we can display the true essence of Islam and its message of love,” he said.
Emphasizing Kindness
Sheikh Issah referenced teachings from the Qur’an that distinguish between non-Muslims who are hostile and those who live peacefully alongside Muslims. He emphasized that Islam urges kindness and compassion toward the latter group.
“The Holy Qur’an encourages us to be just and kind to those who do not oppose our faith. Being good to others is a key tenet of Islam, and such actions help strengthen harmony in society,” he noted.
He added that acts of generosity during Eid, particularly toward the less fortunate and individuals from other religious backgrounds, embody the core Islamic values of mercy, giving, and unity.
“Limiting gift exchanges and meat distribution to fellow Muslims alone doesn’t convey the full message of love and togetherness. Reaching out to others makes a greater impact,” Sheikh Issah concluded.
