As Muslims observe Eid-Al-Adha, National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has issued a profound and impassioned call for an immediate end to the "genocidal impunity and moral bankruptcy" plaguing Gaza and other conflict zones.

In his poignant 2025 Eid message delivered before today's celebration, the revered spiritual leader urged Ghanaians and the international community to embark on a journey of moral renewal, sacrifice, and interfaith harmony.

Describing Eid-Al-Adha as far more than a mere ritualistic sacrifice, Dr. Sharubutu emphasised its divine essence as a catalyst for personal piety, societal transformation, and universal peace.

"Eid-Al-Adha is a festivity of sacrifice and an opportunity to reaffirm our faith in Allah," he stated, drawing from the Holy Qur'an (Chapter 22, Verse 37) to highlight that "Allah is not interested in the flesh and blood of the animals sacrificed... but in our commitment to piety."

His Eminence implored Muslims to deeply reflect on the moral imperatives of the occasion, advocating for an attitudinal shift "from negativity to positivity in the supreme interest of our society".

 He warned that the virtues of Eid remain unfulfilled if they do not translate into tangible moral growth and behavioural change.

A universal call for interfaith unity

Dr. Sharubutu extended his message beyond the Islamic faith, stressing the unifying power of the story of Prophet Abraham's unwavering obedience, a central theme of Eid-Al-Adha.

He underscored this narrative as "the point of convergence of all the Abrahamic religions", urging Christians, Jews, and Muslims to leverage the festival as a profound opportunity to recommit to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

This appeal resonates particularly in Ghana, a nation celebrated for its robust interfaith dialogue and harmony, often cited as a model in West Africa.

Condemnation of global atrocities and a call for justice

In a stark condemnation of ongoing global conflicts, especially the devastating situation in Gaza, the Chief Imam's voice rang with moral authority. He passionately appealed to world leaders to uphold the fundamental principles of justice, peace, and human dignity.

"We cannot surrender our God-given humanity to modern-day barbarity in the name of supremacy," Dr. Sharubutu warned, echoing widespread humanitarian concerns. The conflict in Gaza alone has, as of early June 2025, resulted in over 36,000 fatalities, predominantly civilians, and displaced nearly 2 million people from their homes, according to UN reports. The humanitarian crisis, characterised by widespread famine and destruction of vital infrastructure, has drawn global condemnation.

Plea for a new global order

Concluding his powerful message, conveyed through his Personal Assistant, Dr. Abubakari Mohammed Marzuq Azindoo, the Chief Imam called for a fundamental reordering of global priorities.

He envisioned a new international framework "anchored on justice and compassion", where "RIGHT over might, UNITY over disunity, FORGIVENESS over vindictiveness, RECONCILIATION over aggression, and PEACE over violence" become the guiding principles.

Dr. Sharubutu's message serves as a potent reminder of the shared human values that must drive collective action to address the complex moral and humanitarian challenges facing the world today.