Tougan: Imam Abdoul Fatahou Ouily of CERFI and AEEMB urged the population on Wednesday to reject hate speech, ethnic and religious divisions, while encouraging everyone to become a peacemaker. Imam Abdoul Fatahou Ouily, a member of the Circle for Islamic Studies, Research and Training (CERFI) and the Association of Muslim Students in Burkina Faso (AEEMB), led the Eid al-Adha prayer this Wednesday at the Koubaw© University campus, located in the Belle-Ville district of Bobo-Dioulasso. He encouraged Muslim worshippers to cultivate faith, peace, tolerance, and solidarity for a more harmonious society.

According to Burkina Information Agency, in his sermon, the imam revisited the origins of Eid al-Adha, also known as Tabaski, which commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) act of submission to divine will. He recalled that Ibrahim had agreed to sacrifice his son Ishmael in obedience to Allah, before God replaced the child with a ram.

The preacher emphasized that this episode is a powerful symbol of faith, patience, and trust in God. He also highlighted Ishmael’s qualities, particularly his respect and obedience to his father, thus encouraging young people to adopt behaviors characterized by discipline and piety.

Imam Abdoul Fatahou Ouily also paid tribute to Hajar, mother of Isma«l, for her perseverance and faith in Allah, believing that she remains a model for women in the education of children and the building of society.

Prayers were offered for the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) and the families affected by the security crisis.

The sermon also emphasized the values of civic responsibility, honesty, and justice. With school exams approaching, pupils and students were urged to take their studies seriously and avoid any form of fraud or cheating.

At the end of the prayer, a ram was sacrificed by the imam to mark the beginning of the ritual of sacrifice in Muslim families.