The day is observed at a time when different parts of Rwanda namely; Kigali city and seven districts including Burera, Gicumbi, Kamonyi, Musanze, Nyagatare, Rubavu, Rwamagana and Rutsiro are under lockdown effective from Saturday, 17th till 26th July 2021 to contain the spread of COVID-19.

In a message sent via Twitter handle, Kagame reminded Muslims to adhere to containment measures as they celebrate.

“Wishing a joyous Eid Mubarak to all Muslims celebrating Eid Al-Adha in Rwanda and across the world. Let’s continue to stay safe throughout celebrations with family and loved ones as we fight this pandemic together,” he tweeted.

Ahead of the celebration, Rwanda Muslim Community (RMC) urged Muslims to pray from homes while those from districts not put under lockdown were advised to participate in prayers respecting 30% of occupancy.

Eid al-Adha, which in Arabic literally means the "festival of the sacrifice", commemorates the Koran tale of Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael but God offered him a lamb to sacrifice, ruling that no human life should be sacrificed in the name of God.

The day is marked with the sacrifice of an animal; usually a goat, sheep, or cow, and the distribution of the meat among neighbours, family members and the poor.