RAM TRADERS IN MAKURDI LAMENT JAGABAN'S ADMINISTRATION

 With just two days to this year’s Eidel-Kabir celebration, Muslim faithful across Nigeria are lamenting the newly elected president for the high cost of ram and other animals permissible for slaughtering.

By; Abubakar Abdullahi Shuaibu

The federal government of Nigeria has declared Thursday, June 29, 2023 as the day to celebrate Eidil Kabeer and marked as public holidays in commemoration of this year’s Sallah celebration.

A statement by the permanent secretary, ministry of Interior, Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade, disclosed this on Monday (26/06/2023) in Abuja.

According to Akinlade, “We are hopeful that the prayers and sacrifices that come with this great celebration as well as the message of Eid-ei-Kabir will bring about peace, unity and progress in Nigeria".

Sallah wishes in advance to Alh. Abubakar Adamu Madami Makurdi, Don Bari 1

While many of the traders attributed the increase in the cost of the animals to the high cost of transportation occasioned by the recent removal of subsidy on Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS). While others, especially those that import the animals from neighbouring countries, blamed the increase on the naira devaluation, which has weakened the purchasing power of the country’s currency. 

On Sunday (25/06/2023), I have visited ram markets at North Bank Makurdi, Benue State. But I couldn’t buy any because of the high cost. It was a sorry case though. So, I engaged some traders to know the reason for this sudden change when compared to the cos of Ram last year (2022). Most of the traders I encountered are saying that the removal of the petroleum subsidy is the sole reason for the increases in the price of animals permissible for slaughtering.

STORY BEHIND THE SACRIFICE

On Eid al-Adha, Muslims demonstrate their obedience to Allah by sacrificing an animal. The holiday is inspired by a story from the Quran that is also known to Christians and Jews.

The Quran tells the story of the prophet Ibrahim who Allah (God) commands to kill his son, Ismail, to prove me show obedience Allah. As Ibrahim prepares for the sacrifice, Allah replaces Ismail with a Ram via angel's to be slaughtered in his stead.

ON EVE-DAY OF SALLAH (Eidil Kabeer

The day usually starts with communal prayer (Eid Sallah). Muslims congregate mostly not at the local mosque after sunrise to say special Eid prayers and hear a sermon.

 JIBWIS Communal prayer ground Makurdi

AFTER THE COMMUNAL PRAYER

Following the prayer, people wish each other Eid Mubarak, meaning Happy Eid. They may embrace each other and exchange small gifts, usually foods and drinks.

A Non-Muslim can also wish his fellow Happy Eidil Kabeer. Because it is a day of goodwill and respect, so wishing someone Eid Mubarak or Happy Eid will most likely at least earn you a smile, if not an invitation to a lavish Eid feast (To eat and drink)

Goodwill message by the Wadata TV-NG

THE TRADITION OF THE SACRIFICE IS CALLED QURBANI

In commemoration of the story of Ibrahim and Ismail, Muslims around the world sacrifice animals. Many millions of animals are slaughtered on this day

ANIMALS ACCEPTED FOR THE SACRIFICE

•The rule tied to Qurbani are strict and manifold. Examples include:

•Only certain animals can be sacrificed, such as sheep, lambs, or camels.

•The animal must be in good health.

•It has to be over a certain age.

•It must be slaughtered in a specific way prescribed by Islamic law (halal).

The meat is to be divided into three (3) equal parts. One portion is donated to those in need, and the second portion is given to neighbors. The third portion is kept for one’s consumption, and it typically forms part of the Eid feast enjoyed with family and friends.

I personally wish to make a sacrifice of animal this year 2023 Eidil Kabeer. But unfortunately it's beyond my reach. Thank you for taken your time to read my article. Guessed you found it interesting?