Eid Mubarak to every one

Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, will be observed on Monday, 12th September 2016. One of two feast festivals celebrated by Muslims, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of the Islamic calendar’s last month, Dhu al-Hijjah.

Muslims all over the world will be marking Eid Al-Adha. On this day, Muslims remember the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (A.S).

Eid Al-Adha, is not just an opportunity to celebrate, but also a valuable lesson in sacrifice for Muslims around the globe. According to the Islamic scriptures, Eid Al-Adha, also known as the Greater Eid, is an opportunity to give and forgive and reminisce about the story of the great sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) several centuries ago, when he surrendered to the will of Allah and offered to sacrifice his son Ismael (Peace be upon him).

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was committed to Allah’s command, which later proved to be only a test. He showed that his love for his Lord superseded everything else.
In return, Allah gifted him a male sheep to sacrifice, and that action has become a ritual for all Muslims to emulate on the occasion. Its meat is to be equally distributed among family, friends and the poor.

May Allah shower His countless blessings upon you and your family. May this day be a special day that’s filled with warmth and love, and may it hold the happiness you are  so deserving of!

Eid Mubarak to every one.

*This Article has been edited to reflect the date of this year's Idd-ul-Adha.

Education Crisis: Parents and students are the biggest losers in this standoff

The government's directive that all schools be closed from Monday is going to be a double tragedy for parents. The one million dollar question is: What happens to the fees the parents paid to cover the third term? Will the fees be refunded or will the balance be carried forward to 2016? What was the rationale of sucking in private schools into the crisis? Is Tahidi High affected by the same directive?

There is the possibility that the performance of this year's national examinations may be hampered. KNEC keeps saying that they're ready to administer the exams. Who will supervise the candidates?

The cost of closing schools early and  indefinitely will definitely be an additional burden to the struggling parents of this nation. The unexpected expense of hosting the students at home plus the time and energy required to supervise them to ensure that the time spent at home is well utilised is an additional one many parents can't afford. Clearly parents and students are paying dearly for the teachers strike.

Am shocked that the Senate is agitating for former councillors to be given hefty gratuities and pensions. We are currently facing a cash crisis over teachers' pay and instead of finding a solution, they are championing spending more money. This is foolhardy, reckless and downright immoral!

The union has dug in and is in for the long ride. The government seems unwilling to budge. The only way out is a compromise. For the sake of our children and their parents.