It’s that time of the year again when Muslims all over the world celebrate the holiest festival in their calendar, known as Eid-el Kabir or Sallah.
It falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and lasts for three days. In the international (Gregorian) calendar, the dates vary from year to year drifting approximately 11 days earlier each year.
The days of Eid which has been singled out as “days of remembrance” and considered the holiest days in the Islamic Calendar, honours the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, Isma’il (Issac) as an act of submission to God’s command, before God intervening, through his angel Jibra’il (Gabriel) and informing him that his sacrifice has already been accepted.
The meat from the sacrificed animal is usually divided into three parts. The family retains-one-third of the share; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbours; and the remaining third is given to the poor and needy.
Eid-el-kabir is not just about the festivities, the celebrations and the merriments most people look forward to; there are deep lessons to learn from this historical event such as tolerance, patience, love and commitment.
For the non-Muslims, this is a good opportunity to eat plenty of meat, enjoy and make merry with all of your Muslim friends.
In Nigeria, the Federal Government declared 1st and 4th of September, as public holidays, so it’s truly a time to make merry and enjoy to the fullest.
Here are a few things you can do this holiday
1.Look out for your generous Muslim friends and hit them up:
We all have that one Muslim friend we’re not really close to, it’s time to spark off that friendship. You can call or text or even visit, You don’t want to miss out on sallah meat. Don’t forget that lots of people are calling in for their meat slots, you don’t want to get displaced if you’ve not already called -you’re late-, but nevertheless, pick up that phone and dial
2.Find out the party venue:
You don’t want to wander off to where you assume the party is holding and it’s not holding there, find out if it’s just a get-together or a huge party, so you can dress appropriately to suit the occasion
3. Avoid African Time:
This is probably the most difficult task every Nigerian has to go through, if it’s 3:00 pm, be there at exactly 3:00pm, so there would be no excuse as to why you did no get your own sallah meat. You don’t want to hear stories that touch the heart
4.Share with others:
Don’t be stingy, givers never lack. Be sure to give out some meat to those that don’t have Muslim friends, next Sallah, you’ll most definitely get more meat
5. Thank your Muslim friends before leaving:
A little “Thank you” does the magic everytime. You don’t just rush off with meat, or sneak out on them, as though that’s the only reason you came, although we know it’s the only reason you came.
Be courteous. Greet everyone when you come and be sure to say thank you to your guests before leaving.
These few easy tips can get you plenty meat this Sallah,
Thank me later
Happy Sallah!!!
THE NATION
