Muslim Faithful Celebrate Sallah Despite Harsh Economy In Nigeria

It is certainly no news that the Nigerian economy is harsh, making the Muslim faithful literarily have to wade through the storm to fulfil their spiritual obligations of ram-slaughtering for the Eid-el-Kabir which began Friday, July 8, 2022.

Muslim faithful celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, a season that calls for rededication to the cause of mankind and appreciation to Almighty Allah.

Nigeria recorded a recession in 2016, followed by a second recession in 2020 occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a significant decline in oil revenues as global economic activities stalled for months.

2022 is no different as the declining trend in the nation’s economic growth is worrisome.

As a matter of fact, it has never been this bad in recent times.

Market Place: Photo Credit: Horniman MuseumWith Eid-el-Kabir celebrations which began on Friday, July 2022, many people are at a crossroads as they are undecided on how to mark the festivities.

Majorly, ram sellers have recorded an all-time low in patronage. People want to buy their rams like every other year, buy new outfits for their children, warmly welcome their loved ones and friends with gifts and the usual wonderful delicacies and take the family out. But they are desperately struggling to make ends meet amid the festivities.

Pockets have run dry and the present economic situation is only making things more difficult. Muslims are trying to find any other alternative to provide for their families.

The controversies surrounding cattle rearing and settlements in the country have caused the prices of rams and cows to skyrocket.

In a chat with our correspondents, many of the respondents lamented that their plans to celebrate the Sallah have changed in one way or the other due to economic hardship.

Ahmad AbdulGaneeyu, a man with five kids as disclosed that he is yet to even purchase foodstuff, stating: "I'm still waiting for some cash I've been expecting. When I get it, I'll buy foodstuff and maybe ram."

He added that though the chances of buying a ram are really slim, "I will buy a goat for me for the first time since I have been doing the sacrifice. It's very serious this year."

Uthman Ismaheel from Osun State revealed that the economic and financial difficulty has not been easy on his family finances.

He stated that in 2021 when he and his family were celebrating Ileya, he was hopeful that there would be a marked difference in 2022 but with recent happenings, he wished he could recall 2021.

He disclosed that he has bought his sacrificial bit it really took a lot from him to purchase one for his family.

According to him, the price has gone up. He stated that the minimum price for a small ram was N35,000 while the smallest goat was sold at N25,000.

"A fair-sized ram was sold at N50,000 while the price of big rams was between N85,000-N200,000. Only God knows how 2023 will be like but I know things will not be like this.

"We will go to the prayer ground near us because police and government have assured of security. We will stay indoors for the rest of the day."

Osun State

On his part, Fatai Abiodun added that the closeness of the Ileya festival to the Osun gubernatorial election may have added to the increased cost of food items.

He stated that he initially wanted to purchase a ram of N40,000 but later changed his mind, adding that the N40,000 ram he saw did not befit him as it is too small.

Speaking further, he revealed that he and his family would be travelling to his town where they all intend to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir with fanfare.

Amusa Folasade said she would manage despite the fact that she has to cut down on her budget.

She maintained that Eid-el-Kabir has always been a special festival in her family and that she will never allow the economic condition to rob her of the opportunity of having a fun-filled holiday.

While expressing pessimism about the cost of foodstuff in the market, she hinted that she was going to start now to prepare for 2023.

"The cost of food items in the market is not affordable. Ileya festival is one of prominence and every good Muslim strives to partake in it.

"This economic situation is not helping and I am sure most Muslims won't be happy if this ugly condition robs them of the joy of partaking in it.

"Going to the market with a certain amount and it feels as if you have nothing is really saddening.

"The cost of things has doubled more than 100 per cent. We can't kill ourselves and we cannot run away from Nigeria.

"There are some markets you dare not go to now in Osogbo. Don't go to Akindeko and some parts of Igbona markets.

You can go to Oluode, you can go to Ota-Efun. Owode-Ede, Ifon and Sekona are weekly markets but surprisingly, things are expensive there too."

For some of our northern brothers like Umais Abba, "It is going to be low-key. No festivities or slaughtering of Rams.

"Most households are going to cook normal food and children won't wear new clothes. It is all due to the economic hardship faced by low-income and middle-class families

"The economic crisis is what has led to more insecurity. The income of people is less so they are resulting into criminal activities."

Malam Anas, an electrician. shared, "For Sallah preparations, we are actively doing it based on our financial powers.

"Whatever God gives us is what we will do and if we don't have, we won't go into debt.

"We are praying that God blesses everyone with the means to cater for themselves. May we celebrate Sallah in peace."

 

Additional Reporting by: Abdulrazak Muhammad, Maureen Okpe, Francis Ezediuno.