Ahead of Eid- el- Kabir festival, prominent Islamic scholars have cautioned Muslims against taking cooperative and bank loans to buy sacrificial animals.
The Eid- Kabir will hold on Friday as the Saudi Arabia’s authorities have announced Thursday as Arafat day- the climax of Hajj rites.
The scholars reminded Muslims that Allah has not imposed any burden on anyone who have no capacity to buy sacrificial animals for the festival, adding that what Allah requires from everyone is purest of intention and piety.
Those who spoke with me include the chief Imam of Hilal Crescent Centre Mosque, GRA, Ilorin, Prof. Badmas Yusuf and the chief Imam of Issa Elelu Central Mosque, Murtala Mohammed road, Ilorin, Alh Abubakar Aliy- Kamaldeen.
Yusuf, a teacher of Islamic Studies at the University of Ilorin, enjoined the Muslims who are able to sacrifice animals to immediately distribute the meat to the poor who are eagerly waiting for it, adding that they should not delay the distribution of the meat till the next day.
He said this is necessary to make the poor happy and feel the essence of the festival.
The don also cautioned those that would observe the two- rakkah Eid- el- Kabir prayer at the Eid praying ground in Ilorin, Kwara State to avoid political sloganeering, but instead concentrate on offering praises to the Almighty Allah who has spared their lives to witness the festival.
For his part, Ustaz Aliy- Kamaldeen reminded Muslims that Eid- el- Kabir is primarily about obedience to Allah, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.
” Make sure your intention is sincere, seeking Allah’s pleasure, not social recognition. Focus on the spiritual importance and not just the ritual:
The sacrifice is symbolic. What Allah wants is taqwa (God-consciousness), not the meat or blood. (Qur’an, 22:37),” he said.
While urging Muslims to prioritise within their means, the cleric added that,” Islam does not burden anyone beyond their capacity. If you can’t afford to sacrifice, you are not sinful. If you can’t slaughter an animal, try to contribute through sadaqah, helping others to celebrate as joy sharing is a part of the Sunnah.”
LEADERSHIP reports that the cost of sacrificial animals, especially ram is on the high side at animal markets in Ilorin metropolis.
LEADERSHIP also observed low patronage with ram sellers lamenting that they might not be able to recoup the money they had invested in buying the animals.
The smallest ram goes for between N70,000 and N100,000 in the animal markets at Ipata and Mandate – Adewole.
However, the Muslim faithfuls in Ilorin were in high spirit, buying clothes and shoes for their children for the celebration of the festival.
