Why two billion Muslims worldwide celebrate Sallah every year

Eid el Kabir is one of the two Eids celebrated annually by about 2.18 billion Muslims all over the world.

The slaughtering of rams is one of the most catchy events as it is expected of a Muslim to slaughter at least a ram to celebrate.

Eid-el-Kabir is the second Muslim holiday as it is commonly known in Nigeria considering the holier of the two Muslim holidays, the first of which is the Eid-el-Fitri holiday, which comes up at the end of Ramadan every year.

Also known here as Sallah, it is associated with giving and happiness as it is celebrated as a result of Ibrahim’s attempt to sacrifice his only son. The essential part of the festival includes distribution of meat, chanting of the ‘Takbir’ before Eid Prayers and after prayers throughout the days of Eid.

Families that cannot afford a livestock can contribute money to Mosques and charity organisations which will provide meat for those who are in need.

But what else is there to know about the Eid El-Kabir? Take a look:

It is also called Eid Al-Adha

Eid-al-Adha is a major celebration in the Islamic calendar which marks the sacrifices made to God. The celebrations symbolise Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah.

It usually comes after pilgrims ‘Hajj’

Sallah marks the end of the Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia which millions of Muslims all over the world embark on.

It honours the willing sacrifice of Ibrahim

Muslims will usually slaughter a sheep or a goat as part of the festivities – but anyone wishing to sacrifice an animal in the UK must conform to welfare standards.

The day usually begins with Prayers, followed by exchange of gifts between family and friends

The livestock killed is usually divided into three parts, one for the family, another for friends/neighbours, and the third part to the needy.

Ileya

Eid-el-Kabir is also called ‘ileya’ which translates to ‘Time to go home’.