Sacrifice of self: The enduring lesson of Eid-ul-Adha

The national celebration of Eid ul-Adha yesterday at Black Star Square in Accra carried a message that extends far beyond the Muslim community.

In a sermon delivered through his spokesperson, Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu, the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, reminded the nation that the festival’s essence lay in the “sacrifice of self” rather than the “sacrifice for self.”

The Chief Imam’s reflection on the story of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail distilled the festival to its core: unalloyed loyalty to the Almighty Allah, renewed faith, and absolute submission to divine will. Yet his exposition did not stop at ritual observance.

He drew a sharp distinction between two kinds of sacrifice.

The first, and the one to be emulated, is the sacrifice of self—giving up what is precious so that others may benefit. The second, which he cautioned against, is sacrifice for self—acts done solely for personal gain. 

In a public life too often driven by self-interest, that distinction is worth pondering.

 The narrative of Ibrahim and Ismail also models patience, fortitude and perseverance in the face of trial.

These are not merely theological virtues.

They are civic virtues. 

Ghana’s progress depends on citizens and leaders willing to endure short-term discomfort for long-term national good, to stay the course on difficult reforms, and to place collective welfare above individual convenience.

The willingness to sacrifice oneself is what transforms a collection of individuals into a functioning community.

A society that truly honours God must also honour the vulnerable, protect the young, and uphold dignity in daily conduct.

It is against this backdrop that the Chief Imam expressed concern over the erosion of respect for the elderly and obedience to parents.

His words should not be dismissed as nostalgia.

The decline of intergenerational respect corrodes the social fabric, weakens families and undermines the transmission of values.

If we are to reignite a culture of respect, it will require deliberate effort in homes, schools, media and religious institutions.

Tradition is not static, but it must not be abandoned without replacement.

The Chief Imam also used the occasion to speak directly to national leadership, addressing President John Dramani Mahama, who attended the prayers.

He called for loyalty to elected leadership and support for the President’s efforts to succeed for the nation. This is not a call for blind allegiance, but for constructive citizenship. 

Democracy functions best when citizens hold leaders accountable while also giving them the space and support to govern.

Loyalty in this sense means commitment to the constitutional order and to the common good, even amid political differences.

His commendations for the President were specific and substantive.

First, he thanked him for the seamless organisation of this year’s Hajj, noting that the reduction in fares and the absence of reported challenges reflected effective planning.

Second, he praised Ghana’s international advocacy on the transatlantic slave trade, commending the President for spearheading the campaign for recognition of the trade as a crime against humanity and for seeking reparations.

In doing so, he said, the President had shown himself to be a true

African who fights for all people.

Third, he lauded the introduction of a fee-free e-visa for African passport holders, describing it as an opening of Ghana’s doors to the continent.

These acknowledgements matter because they model a politics of appreciation and encouragement, not only criticism. Public life needs both.

When the government gets things right, it deserves recognition.

Such recognition does not preclude scrutiny; it creates a climate where service is valued.

Equally significant was the Chief Imam’s call for interfaith tolerance.

Ghana’s reputation for religious coexistence is a national asset that must be guarded jealously.

In a world where religion is often weaponised for division, our ability to pray side by side, to attend one another’s festivals, and to work together for the common good is a testimony to be preserved.

Eid-ul-Adha is about sacrifice, but its true meaning is only realised when that sacrifice moves from the altar to daily life.

If Ghanaians—leaders and citizens alike—embrace the sacrifice of self, prioritise patience and perseverance, restore respect for elders and parents, and deepen interfaith harmony, then the festival’s spirit will not end with the slaughtering of the ram.

It will become the ethic by which we build a more just, compassionate and united nation.

The Chief Imam has set the standard.

The challenge now is for the nation to live up to it.