Ahead of the Eid el-Adha festival on Wednesday, Islamic clerics have advised Muslims to shun desperation, but celebrate the festival within their means.
The clerics, who spoke to The PUNCH on Sunday, urged Muslims to seek Allah’s pleasure with the resources available to them and not get themselves into financial trouble over Sallah festival.
Responding to questions by our correspondent on Sunday, the Chief Imam of the University of Abuja, Prof. Taofeek AbdulAzeez, warned Muslim faithful against borrowing for the Sallah celebration, admonishing them to buy only what they can afford.
He said, “They should buy what they can afford. They should please Allah alone; desperation is not a way to please Allah.
“They should buy what they can afford and must not borrow.”
Speaking on the essence of the Eid-el Adha festival, the cleric said, “It is a sign of submission, sacrifice and patience of our father, Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
“We should be patient over domestic crises which resulted in the relocation of the younger wife to Makkah and the establishment of Makkah for Hajj rites, and other Islamic contents. We should also learn sacrifice and submission, sincerity and perseverance.”
Also, the Secretary-General of League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State, Sheikh Tajudeen Adewunmi, harped on the need for moderation during the celebration.
Adewunmi said, “It is not compulsory for Muslims to slaughter rams; only to those who can afford it should do so. Allah does not suck blood and neither does He eat flesh, what He needs is for mankind to have His fear.”
Similarly, the deputy Chief Imam, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. Sharafadeen AbdulKareem,said, “It is not acceptable for any Muslim to borrow money when he has no capability. But if he belongs to a cooperative society and the body is ready to lend him money for the Sallah, he can go ahead.
“If he is a civil servant that wants to use his or her salary to buy ram, he can borrow money and buy it. Allah does not accept anyone’s worship that is desperate.”