Gaoua: The chief imam of the city of Gaoua, El Hadj Salam Sissoko, led the grand Eid al-Adha prayer this Wednesday morning on the grounds of the Centre A and B schools, during which he implored divine mercy for Burkina Faso, in the presence of the governor of the Dj´r´ region, Siaka Barro, administrative, military, customary and religious authorities, as well as many Muslim faithful.
According to Burkina Information Agency, in his sermon, Imam Sissoko gave thanks to God for allowing the faithful to celebrate this important religious holiday before offering prayers for the return of peace to Burkina Faso. ‘We thanked the Lord for granting us this day of prayer for Eid al-Adha and implored that his grace and mercy reign over Burkina Faso. We also ask God to protect our country and annihilate its enemies,’ he said.
The imam also expressed his satisfaction at seeing administrative authorities, as well as religious and traditional leaders, gathered around this celebration, which he saw as a symbol of cohesion and social unity. Taking advantage of the opportunity, he relayed an awareness message from the National Road Safety Office (ONASER), inviting the population to respect the highway code, in particular the wearing of helmets and seat belts, as well as the speed limit during the festivities and at all times.
The governor of the Dj´r´ region, Siaka Barro, sent his best wishes for a happy holiday to all the Muslim faithful in the region and praised the excellent collaboration between the different religious denominations. ‘I took part in this prayer alongside the Muslim faithful and I appreciated the message of the Grand Imam whose key words were peace, social cohesion and living together. I invite all the people to unite in sacred union and to continue prayers for our country, our national armed forces and our internal security forces who work daily to preserve the unity and stability of Burkina Faso,’ he said.
The governor also reaffirmed his willingness to support all religious denominations in their actions in favor of development and social cohesion in the region. Speaking on behalf of the customary and religious authorities, His Majesty Bifate II wished the imam and the entire Muslim community a happy holiday. ‘This morning, we met with our Muslim brothers to pray together for peace. May Almighty God protect our president, Captain Ibrahim Traor©, Burkina Faso, its people, and the forces engaged in its defense. We call on everyone to forgive, because it is through forgiveness that cohesion and peace are built,’ he said.
Through this celebration of Eid al-Adha, the religious, administrative and customary authorities of Gaoua reaffirmed their common commitment to peace and living together for a prosperous Burkina Faso.