NEED FOR PEACEFUL CO – EXISTENCE AS MUSLIMS CELEBRATE EID – IL – KABIR IS THE FOCUS OF TODAY’S VIEWPOINT. IT IS WRITTEN BY PENSIONERS’ FM GENERAL MANAGER, DR. BABATUNDE TIAMIYU. THE SPONSOR OF THIS VIEWPOINT IS BARRISTER AKEEM AGBAJE ” ADEHUN”, A LEGAL ICON
Eid – il – Adha, the Muslim Ummah’s annual global celebration also known as Eid – Il Kabir means ‘ the greater Eid’
The celebration features two Rakats prayer, sermon and slaughtering of animals to seek almighty Allah’s favour on mankind and their societies.
This religious celebration is done in remembrance and willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his child, Ismael to Allah.
Seeing Prophet Ibrahim’s determination and commitment to the directives, almighty Allah bestowed his mercy on him by sending angel Jubril to give him a ram for sacrifice in place of Ismael.
In commemoration of Eid- Il – Kabir, an animal is sacrificed and divided into three parts.
The family retains one third of the share, another part is to be given to relatives, friends and neighbours and the remaining part is given to the poor and the need as a way of promoting equity and charity.
One of the core lessons learnt from Prophet Ibrahim is for believers to remain faithful to god no matter the severity of their challenge.
As written in the holy books, whoever follows the path of god almighty and remained focused in serving him would never be shamed.
Importantly, it is always good to embrace the virtues of fulfilling one’s promises and pledges, especially those in positions of leadership, as exemplified by prophet Ibrahim who did not renege on his pledge to sacrifice his son to Allah.
Do Nigerian leaders and followers keep their promises, whether to god or to their fellow citizens?
For years now, the nation has been faced with myriads of socio – political, economic and security challenges.
Due to lack of respect to promises and pledges, many lives have been lost, homes have been broken, while lofty dreams and aspirations have been shattered.
It is however not too late for Nigeria to overcome its numerous problems, which have been constituting clogs to her wheels of progress.
Nigerians should cultivate the habit of living together as one indivisible family and put an end to the continuous agitations from some quarters based on perceived marginalisation.
Nigerians, regardless of religion, should be more fervent in prayers for the success of president bola Tinubu led – administration and the state governors in the quest to chart a new course of socio – economic prosperity for the country.
Politicians should continue to serve the people in tandem with their electioneering promises of ensuring abundant lives for the people.
The leadership must continue to give hope of a better nation to the followership through impactful and transparent governance as shown by prophet Ibrahim.
For Nigeria to witness a positive turn around, the love of god and concern for fellow human should have a special place in everyone heart, as well as a complete submission to the will and decrees of god.
When all these are pririotised, the society would become a better, peaceful and progressive place for all and sundry.
