OPINION: EID-EL-ADHA SACRIFICE

Ensuring an Affordable and Inclusive Eid-el-Adha: A Call for Unity and Compassion - Haruna Abubakar Bebeji 

Introduction:

With Eid-el-Adha, the festive occasion that commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, just around the corner, the Muslim community in Nigeria finds itself facing a unique challenge. The increase in lamb prices has sparked concerns among the faithful who aspire to perform the sacred act of sacrificing an animal during this holy period. However, amidst this issue, it is crucial that we promote understanding, compassion, and empathy towards both the sellers and buyers. Additionally, we must also encourage the privileged members of our society to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate, ensuring that everyone can fulfill this act of worship (Ibadah) in a seamless manner.

Sacrificing animals during Eid-el-Adha is a strong Sunnah in the eyes of most Islamic scholars.  It is the Sunnah (tradition) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and it has its origin since Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

The Prophet encouraged it to be done, he himself did it, and he called on the people to do it. Animals such as camels, cattle, sheep, lambs and goats are used as sacrificial animals. However, despite the importance of the festivity in the Islamic religion, every year there is an increase in the price of the animals that are used for it.

The Feast of Sacrifice dates from the historic event when Prophet Abraham was commanded by God, in a form of a dream vision, to sacrifice his son, Ismail. But while he was in the act of sacrificing his son, God sent the Angel Gabriel with a huge ram. Gabriel informed Abraham that his dream vision was fulfilled and instructed him to sacrifice the ram as a ransom for his son. The story is mentioned in Chapter #37 of the Holy Qur'an.

Eid al-Adha enjoys special significance because the Day of Sacrifice marks the climax of Hajj or Pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam. This annual pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia is an obligation only for those men and women who are physically and financially able to perform it once in their lifetime.

Understanding the Challenges Faced by Lamb Sellers:

Lamb sellers play a crucial role in facilitating the act of sacrifice during Eid-el-Adha. They serve as the bridge between the faithful and the animals that hold significant religious value. However, it is important to acknowledge that they too face challenges in meeting the demands of the market. The recent increase in the price of lambs can be attributed to rising costs related to feeding the animals and transporting them for sale. The surge in fuel prices, coupled with the escalating cost of animal feed, has made it difficult for sellers to maintain reasonable prices.

Empathizing with the Buyers:

On the other hand, the Muslim community, eager to carry out the tradition of sacrifice and express their devotion, is burdened by the soaring prices. For many devout believers, the purchase of a sacrificial animal represents a significant financial commitment. It is vital for us to empathize with the buyers, recognizing the importance they attach to this act of worship and the potential impact of inflated prices on their ability to fulfill their religious obligations.

Promoting Unity and Ease:

In order to ensure an inclusive and accessible Eid-el-Adha, it is imperative that both sellers and buyers find ways to alleviate the prevailing challenges. To facilitate this, a collaborative effort is needed. The government, lamb sellers, and buyers must come together to find a mutually beneficial solution. By establishing platforms for dialogue and cooperation, we can address the underlying issues that contribute to the increased prices. This could involve exploring alternative transportation methods, developing cost-effective animal feed solutions, or even providing financial support to farmers to mitigate rising expenses.

Extending a Helping Hand:

While we seek solutions to ease the burden on both sellers and buyers, we must also emphasize the importance of compassion and support within our society. There are individuals and families who, despite their sincere desire to participate in this act of worship, find themselves unable to do so due to financial constraints. It is our duty, as a community, to reach out to these less privileged members and ensure that they too can partake in the blessings of Eid-el-Adha. This can be achieved by organizing charity drives, establishing community funds, or encouraging voluntary donations from the well-to-do sections of our society.

Conclusion:

Eid-el-Adha is a momentous occasion that holds great significance for the Muslim community. It is a time for reflection, devotion, and unity. Therefore, it is crucial that we approach the issue of rising lamb prices with empathy, understanding, and a spirit of collaboration. By prioritizing dialogue, seeking innovative solutions, and extending a helping hand to those in need, we can ensure that this act of worship remains accessible to all members of our society. Let us work together to make this Eid-el-Adha a truly inclusive and blessed celebration.

Wallahul Musta'an!

My name is Haruna Abubakar Bebeji.  

I'm a passionate writer, content manager and blogger from Kano, Nigeria. I started writing online about politics, governance and day-to-day issues to share my thoughts, ideas, and experiences in this space. Over time, my blog has become a space for me to inspire, motivate, and entertain others.  

I'm committed to bringing engaging, quality content that will help make anyone's life just a little bit better. I love to explore new topics, review products, and discuss the latest trends in politics and governance. 

I write in both English and Hausa and as a certified International Translator and Interpreter, I Translate from English to Hausa or Hausa to English. When I'm not writing, managing or creating content, you can find me outside enjoying nature, reading, or spending time with family or friends.  

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