An Islamic cleric, Dr Tajudeen Adebayo, says Muslims who cannot afford ram for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration due to economic hardship should not grieve but hope for a better future.
Adebayo, the Chief Imam of the Falomo Central Mosque, Lagos State, gave the advice on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
He called on those who could afford ram to show kindness and love to others.
“If the economic situation does not give room for slaughtering ram this year, we should not grieve. Another good time will come. Let those who can afford to kill a ram extend their hands of kindness to those who cannot kill.
“They need to know that neither the meat nor the blood will reach Allah; rather, it is the piety with which the sacrifice is done that matters most,” he said.
He advised Muslims to understand the significance of the celebration for their spiritual growth.
“I wish to urge all Muslims to see the Eid beyond the narrow view of merrymaking. Muslims should be reminded of the trial of Prophet Ibrahim, which culminated into the celebration. The Eid was not a moment of happiness when it started, but it later turned to happiness,” Adebayo said.
NAN reports that Muslims worldwide are set to celebrate 2024 Eid-el-Kabir. (NAN)