Muslims in Nigeria have joined their counterparts across the globe to celebrate the 2021 Eid-El-Adha also known as Eid-El Kabir. In the nation’s capital, Muslims converged on the Abuja National Eid Ground to observe the three Rak’at. The prayers were observed with strict adherence to the COVID-19 protocols. Before going into the Eid ground, worshippers lined up to have their temperatures checked as health workers are also on the ground to administer hand sanitizers on the hands of the worshippers. Among the personalities who observed prayer at the National, Eid ground is the FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello. The prayer was led by the Imam of the National Mosque, Dr Muhammad Kabir Adam. In his Sallah message, the Muslim cleric urged Muslims to imbibe the virtues of self-sacrifice, obedience to God, and love for humanity as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. He urged them to share part of the meat of whatever they have slaughtered with those in need. The Minister of FCT, Mr Mohammed Bello whiled addressing journalists at the end of the prayers called on residents of the nation’s capital to be law-abiding, security conscious, and united. According to him, FCT is a melting pot for Nigeria where people of various backgrounds reside, making it the centre of Nigeria’s unity. Mr Bello also said the FCT administration will continue to harp on the need for residents to abide by the COVID-19 protocols, especially in the face of a third wave of the pandemic. Buhari Prays In Daura In Daura, Katsina North, and hometown of President Muhammadu Buhari, hundreds of residents from within and outside the town attended the two Rak’at prayers. President Buhari and other dignitaries observed prayers were at the Kofar Arewa Eid Prayer Ground. The prayer which was led by Imam Safiyanu Yusuf Dansanwai commenced at about 10:00 am to 10:05 am. Also in attendance were the Emir of Daura, Umar Farouq Umar other traditional and religious leaders including the ward, village and district heads as well as members of the business and political communities in Daura. Eid-El-Adha also referred to as the festival of sacrifice, is celebrated worldwide by Muslims and is marked with the slaughtering of rams, cows, and sheep. In Muslim parlance, the festival is the most important feast because it is an occasion to celebrate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Isma’el, in submission to Allah’s command. In commemoration of this intervention, an animal, usually, a ram, is sacrificed ritually and divided into three parts. One share is given to the poor and needy, another is kept for home and the third portion is given to relatives. As usual, after performing the two Rak’at Eid-El Kabir prayers and the ritual sacrifice, people come out mostly in Northern states to watch the historic Durbar otherwise called Hawan Sallah. However, due to the pandemic, both Katsina and Daura Emirate Councils have announced the cancellation of the 2021 Eid-El Kabir Durbar Festival to contain the spread of the virus and the banditry. Sanusi Leads Prayers In Kaduna In Kaduna, former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi led the Eid prayer at the Murtala Mohammed prayer ground in the Kaduna metropolis. Among the dignitaries that attended the prayer include Governor Nasir El-Rufai, the Senator representing Kaduna central, Uba Sani among others. In his message, the former Emir of Kano called on Nigerians to continue to live in peace irrespective of their religious or ethnic differences so as to foster peace and unity in the country. Governor Nasir El-Rufai in his address spoke on the importance of peaceful coexistence. He announced that more troops have been deployed to Kaduna State to help flush out bandits and other criminals in a bid to restore peace and security in the state. He, however, solicited for prayers from the citizens to help tackle the myriads of challenges confronting the state.
