The more important of the two Muslim holidays, EID-EL-KABIR, is once more upon us.
In the western part of Nigeria this Muslim holiday is often referred to as Ileya, and it is unquestionably a time of celebration for the faithful.
The History
This Islamic holiday called Eid-el-Kabir or Eid al-Adha honours Ibrahim for his readiness to sacrifice his son Ismail (also known as Ishmael) at Allah’s order.
Ibrahim is also known as Abraham in Christian and Jewish traditions.
Muslims all throughout the world celebrate this occasion.
God gave Ibrahim the order to sacrifice his adult son. Ismail was taken to Mount Moriah after he complied.
He was about to offer his son as a sacrifice when an angel intervened and handed him a ram to offer in place of his son. At Eid el-kabir, this occasion is commemorated and honoured.
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Because the Islamic calendar is based on moon observations, the duration of a given month might change from year to year. Because of this, the dates for Eid al-Adha may need to be adjusted at the beginning of Dhul Hijja. This is roughly 10 days before the festival’s beginning.
Dhul-Hijja is the 12th month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims perform the Hajj (Holy Pilgrimage) as well as observe the Festival of Sacrifice.
The Celebration Of Eid-el-kabir
In some traditionally Muslim countries, families or groups of families may purchase an animal known as udhiya, usually goats, sheep or rams, to sacrifice, but this is not common or legal in many parts of other countries.
The morning, after the Day of Arafah, was observed, the faithful, men, women, and children, will begin the celebration by dressing in their finest clothes and gathering in large groups at the Eid grounds to offer a special two-rakat prayer to remember the festival.
Following the Imam’s lecture, they then slaughter their animals as a representation of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his only son, which is the main theme of the festival. The following two days are dedicated to the festival.
During this period, Many Muslims also travel to Mecca around this time to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of Islam’s five pillars.
Significance Of Celebration
The majority of the meat from the Eid-el-kabir sacrifice is distributed to others. One-third is consumed by close relatives and family members, one-third is distributed to friends, and one-third is donated to the less privileged.
The gesture represents the faithful’s readiness to give up things that are dear to them or that benefit them in order to obey Allah’s instructions.
It is a lesson in acknowledging that Allah is the source of all blessings and that people should share from their hearts.
It is crucial to note that the sacrifice itself, as performed by Muslims, has nothing to do with making up for sins or cleansing oneself of sin.
According to the Quran, it is your piety that brings you closer to Allah than their meat or blood does.
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People should, therefore, entirely submit to the Lord, willing to fulfil Allah’s commandment completely and willingly, keeping in mind that the time of Sallah is a time of willingness to make sacrifices in order to stay on the straight road.
The Lord wants people to have these qualities: strength of heart, purity of faith, and eager obedience.
As we wish the Muslims all over the world happy Sallah celebrations or Eid-el-Mubarak, we urge them to celebrate with moderation and share with the less privileged in the society.
To continue to imbibe the spirit of love, peace, kindness and sacrifice as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) and to also use the period to pray for peace, unity, prosperity and the stability of Nigeria.
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