EID-EL-KABIR CALLS FOR SACRIFICE AND GOOD NEIGHBOURLINESS — CHIEF IMAM ENUGU CENTRAL MOSQUE
Reporter : CHUKWUBUIKE MADU –
Nigerians have been encouraged to live a life of sacrifice and care for neighbours and friends to reduce rancour in the society. The Chief Imam, Enugu Central Mosque Owerri Road Asata, Saeed Zulquanaini made the call in an interview with Radio Nigeria on the celebration of Eid-El-Kabri coming up tomorrow.
Imam Zulquanaini noted that strike, corruption, killings and other violent crimes in the country negate the teachings of the Koran and Prophet Mohammed, which hinged on love, friendship, good neighbourliness and sacrifice.
Allah said we should love, care and be kind to our friends, neighbours and even those who are not close to us. This is why we say that what Boko Haram, kidnappers and armed robbers are doing is un-Islamic and against what Allah commands,” the cleric said.
The Chief Imam explained that this year’s Eid-El-Kabir prayer will be held in mosques instead of the Eid ground in Enugu State in line with the Nigeria Centre for Diseases Control, NCDC, safety measure.
“We use to have the prayers and sacrifice at Eid ground because it has a lot of space to contain many people but this year is different because of COVID-19. We will hold the Eid prayer at our various mosques and still observe all the protocol. Social distancing, hand washing, wearing of face masks should also be applied” the Chief Imam insisted.
Imam Zulquanaini spoke on the nature of animals that could be used as sacrifice for the Eid-celebration.
According to him, “Carmel, cow, sheep and goat are the four animals prescribed for the Eid sacrifice. They must not be deformed, thin or be suffering from any ailment.”
Radio Nigeria’s observation shows that the usual hustling and bustling that the follow preparations for the Eid-El-Kabir were not seen among the Muslim community in Enugu capital city. The Federal Government declared July 30 and 31, 2020 as public holiday for the celebration.