Eid-el-Kabir 1439AH brings smiles to Muslims across the globe
Last Updated on August 25, 2018 by Memorila
Eid-el-Kabir celebrations that highlight the end of Hajj rites have come and gone leaving in their wakes sweet aromas and smiles on the faces of Muslims
Eid-el-Kabir celebration which takes place on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, one of the sacred months of the Islamic lunar calendar, is one of the highlights of the Islamic Hajj rite. The day before, precisely the ninth, Muslim pilgrims from all over the world converge on Mount Arafat in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to offer praises to and seek alms from God Almighty – and this the hallmark of the whole rite.
Other Muslims not at Makkah show solidarity by observing fast on the Arafat day and seek God’s benevolences through all kinds of commendable acts. The 10th day is then reserved for feasting where animals are sacrificed, foods and drinks served, loved ones visited and the Most High is remembered.
This year, 1439AH, hasn’t been different either. Even though there had been variations on the day of the eid in past years due to differences in sighting of moon, there seems to be consensus among Muslims this year, with most of them trooping to the eid ground on Tuesday August 21, 2018 for the biennial special prayer in their colourful attires and mouthful smiles – the other special prayer being that of Eid-el-Fitr observed after month-long Ramadan fast.
From Kano to Ikeja, Minna to Zinder, Abidjan to Dubai, Washington DC to Beijing, the world paused for a second to usher in one of the sacred days of Islam.
As the economies of the world continue to oscillate between affluence and penury, many households celebrated the eid without even a grain of rice to cook or an egg to fry, talk less of goats, rams, cows or camels to slaughter. But as the regulations of Islam stipulate, those who have the means to slaughter are enjoined to give out at least one-third to the have-nots. Hence, sweet aromas streamed out of various chimneys across the globe.
Even though some faithful celebrated the eid on sick beds, others like the neighbour of this writer returned to their creator before even the eid day rose. Luckily, some of us were left to savour sumptuous dishes and reflect on our deeds.
Eid-el-Kabir 1439AH has come and gone. May Allah accept our good deeds, cleanse us of the bad ones, admit us into his Jannah, give us the best of this world and hereafter, the life and health to savour more sweet meals and visit loved ones, and remember the Most High. Amin.
