Monday, August 20, 2018 8.45PM / Proshare WebTV

The origin of Eid-El-Kabir dates back to the story of the prophet Ibrahim, as told in the Quran. After years of longing for a child, Ibrahim and his wife were given a son in their old age. But, as a testament to his love for Allah, Ibrahim was asked to sacrifice him.

The couple travelled to Mecca to carry out the task. On their journey, they were repeatedly met by Satan who tempted them to break their promise to God, but they threw stones at him to drive him away. Similarly, in Hajj, as part of the pilgrimage stones are thrown at symbolic pillars, an act known as ‘stoning of the devil’, in commemoration of the couple’s rejection of Satan.

However, before the blindfolded Ibrahim could carry out the sacrifice, Allah replaced his son with a ram in a fraction of a second, which was slaughtered instead. In celebration of Ibrahim’s love for God and this ultimate act of devotion, Muslims honour this by sacrificing an animal on Eid-El-Kabir every year which is the five pillars of Islam.

Animals typically sacrificed are lamb, goat and cow. The animal is divided into three parts. One third is given to the poor, one is divided amongst relatives and the remaining third is cooked and eaten by the family. This is how the festival gets its alternative name “Feast of Sacrifice”.

In most places around the world Eid-El-Kabir is celebrated in a similar fashion. In the morning, Muslims read “Salat al-Eid”, a special prayer offered to honour the festival.

As Muslims celebrate and Nigerians mark the public holidays, we identify the key issues to note;

Security

In a recent interview with Proshare WebTV Lanre Adeniji Peniel Agro Consult noted that the government should work on security in other to improve economic situation for Nigerians.

According to a report from Channels Television, The Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris has ordered for massive deployment of police personnel across the country.

The statement read further: “The deployment of additional personnel and crime prevention and detection equipments will be carried out to cover identified and perceived criminal black spots, flash points, abandoned and uncompleted projects sites being used as hideouts by criminal elements to commit crime”.

The ongoing raids operations and removal of suspected criminals will continue throughout the Sallah period and beyond.

The deployment will also cover recreation centres, public places and critical infrastructure and public utilities.  Federal Highway Patrol Teams, the Safer Highway patrol Units, and Anti-Crime patrols have been deployed along highways and major roads throughout the country for the protection and safety of travelers, commuters and other road users during the period and beyond.

Safety for Travellers on the Roads and Highways

The Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC will have a busy sallah period manning major highways and roads across the country, to ensure that have a hitch free experience. 

Economy

With an inflation rate of about 11.14% and a low  purchasing power parity of about 1.9% , the ability of Nigerians to enjoy the holiday, will depend on their income levels. 

Middle-class muslim families will be able to afford the costly ram that goes for N70,000 and also have a big treat for guests and friends who will want to celebrate with them. 

Also Nigerians with disposable incomes will visit the shopping malls and cinemas to spend time with their families. 

It will be an economic boom period for ram sellers, restaurants, hotels, recreational parks, transport companies and other tourist attractions.

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