Nigerian muslims today join their counterparts across the world to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.
Eid-el-Kabir is the muslim festival referring to the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ishmael on Mount Moriah, according to Islamic tradition.
Also known as Eid-al-Adha, it translates to the Feast of the Sacrifice.
The festival comes up annually on the tenth day of the Muslim lunar month of Dhul Hijja.
The festivities traditionally lasts four days.
On the occasion, muslims troop to prayer grounds for a congregational prayer after which they reenact the slaughtering of rams as was done by Prophet Ibrahim.
They share the rams with the needy, friends and relatives.
Already, prominent Nigerians have begun to send goodwill messages on the occasion of the festival.
In different statements, they called on Nigerians irrespective of their religious and political leanings to emulate the virtues of the prophet.
In his message, President Muhammadu Buhari said he believed that Nigeria could make rapid progress on all fronts if the virtues of Prophet Ibrahim typified by sacrifice, patience steadfastness, generosity and obedience to Allah’s command could be reenacted.
“On the joyous occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir celebration, I appeal to all Nigerians to rise against the odds, keep our prejudices aside and strengthen the bonds of friendship and unity to keep our country together.
“For Muslims all over the world, this celebration is to commemorate the trials and triumph of Prophet (Abraham) Ibrahim.
“As we celebrate, I sincerely believe that our nation can make rapid progress on all fronts if we re-enact the exemplary virtues, typified by Prophet (Abraham) Ibrahim, through his sacrifice, patience, steadfastness, generosity and obedience to Allah’s command and constituted authority.”
In his message, the governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, stressed the need for Nigerians to be their brothers’ keepers.
“I call on all Muslims and indeed Nigerians to use the period to reflect on the various challenges facing the nation. It takes the concerted efforts of all to achieve meaningful development in any nation especially in a period of economic recession,” he said.
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, in his message, called on all Muslims to seek Allah’s grace for the peace, unity, security and economic development of the country.
“This is a time we must be our brothers’ keeper by sharing our worldly goods with them. This is a time we must pray for our leaders, especially President Muhammadu Buhari and all those saddled with the responsibilities of leadership at all levels in our country.
“With prayers, I have no doubt that God will inspire and guide our leaders to initiate and sustain policies and programmes that would guarantee peace, security, economic growth, political stability and social cohesion in our nation,” the president of the Senate stated.
