As Muslims around the world prepare for the Eid-al-Fitr celebration, expected to take place between June 6 and 7, 2025, the demand for rams continues to surge. Rams, symbolising sacrifice and obedience in Islam, are at the heart of the celebration, creating a booming market for livestock sellers.
Although other animals such as camels, goats, and cows may be used for the ritual sacrifice, rams remain the preferred choice. This preference stems from the belief that Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) offered a ram in place of his son, marking the historical and spiritual origin of the Sallah celebration.
As a Muslim, observing the Sunnah involves following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which includes the tradition of sacrificing a ram in honor of God—a practice rooted in the story of Prophet Ibrahim, who was commanded to sacrifice his son but was provided a ram instead.
For those with the financial means, this act is not only a personal religious duty but also a powerful opportunity to support and share with others in the community who may not be able to afford a sacrifice themselves.
A ram buyer, Mariam Audu, said: “I’m happy to pay a premium for a good ram, as it’s a symbol of our faith and devotion. It’s a tradition that brings us closer to Allah.
“Last year, I purchased a ram for N170,000, but unfortunately, it died, and I had to buy another one for N220,000. By God’s will, I will also perform the sacrifice this year. It is not complicated—each person is expected to offer one ram, as long as they have the capacity.
To Haruna Baba Garba, some people wait until Sallah day or after the prayer to buy ram, as sellers often reduce prices to clear their stock. Since demand drops significantly after Eid prayers, vendors know that if they don’t sell quickly, they will have to continue feeding the animals.
For example, a ram purchased a week before Sallah might cost N200,000, but the same ram could go for N150,000 after Sallah, simply because sellers want to avoid additional costs of keeping unsold livestock.
Profitability
A ram seller at Gbagada, Lagos, Bala Haruna, said: “I’ve been selling rams for years. And year on year, demands are usually unprecedented. People are willing to pay top naira for the best rams, and I’m making a tidy profit.”
Another Ram seller, Tijjani Bello said, no matter the location, ram sellers consistently turn a profit during the Ileya festival, as demand surges for sacrificial livestock. The festive period brings a business boom, with many traders making millions in sales. Some buyers take loans just to secure a ram.
‘Many people would rather go into debt than miss out on the tradition of slaughtering a ram,’ one trader explained.
Beyond sales, traders invest in feeding their livestock, ensuring they are in prime condition for buyers. However, the livestock business is not without risks. Losses are an inevitable part of the trade, but sellers accept them as part of doing business. ‘No one ventures into business without facing losses at some point,’ said Bello.
