Eid-dul Adha Mubarak

On Thursday, December 20th, Muslims will be celebrating one of the must revered days in the Islamic calendar, Eid-dul-Adha. As a predominant Muslim country, Gambians and non-Gambians have been bracing themselves for this inevitable hullabaloo that precedes the accompanying gusto and merrymaking.

However, there are three important cornerstones to this ritual feast (and almost every other Islamic feast) that we need to take into account: the prayer, sacrifice, as well as consolidation of the blessings we gather therein.

In this case, the prayer that precedes the sacrifice (slaughter of a ram) is just as important as the latter, and, most importantly, the continuation of the good deeds of the worshiper, and permanent abstainance from the sins we will have seek forgiveness for from Allah. Accordingly, this day has its root from the strong belief manifested by Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Ismael (peace be upon them), after their positive response to an arduous request from Allah the Almighty.

Unfortunately, this extremely polarised generation of ours seems to have lost touch with the realities of the significance of this day. As the day approaches, extortionist attitude and extravagant spending are rife. Some people take pleasure in hiking prices for the most sort-for commodities and there is also the deceitful practice of fattening animals and selling them at absolutely outrageous prices.The so-called Wanterr, apart from its environmental nuisance, has become synonymous with all forms of criminality. All this is contrary to the teachings of the Islamic religion.

These, among a host of other absurdities, deprive many people from sharing in the enjoyment of the feast. We wish to convey a rather poignant appeal to the forces behind these dubious activities, to put a stop to it. If not for human sake, let them think of God. The sick, the old as well as the young are part and parcel of the festive celebrations. Therefore, we wish to also appeal on their behalf, foe a fair share of the goodies of the day.

While looking forward to a positive re-think in the Islamic Ummah, we wish the nation an Eidul Adha Mubarak.