By Edwin Nwachukwu
Lagos, June 15, 2024 – A socio-political group, The Collective Movement (TCM) wishes the Muslim faithful a joyous and blessed celebration of the festival of sacrifice, Eid-ul-Adha.
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is the second-most significant festival in the Islamic calendar, following Eid al-Fitr.
TCM urges the muslim faithful to use the celebration to reflect fervently on the nation, particularly on the present economic and security situation.
The Collective Movement, in a statement signed by its director of media, Ndubuisi Nwachukwu, urged them to pray for a quick turnaround of the country’s economy among other challenging issues bedeviling the country.
The group appealed to the faithful to remember the divine call of God for man to subdue nature and use it for the common good, and the nation at large.
According to TCM, as Eid-ul Adha is an occasion to remember the sacrifices Prophet Ibrahim made in obedience to the will of God.
Our political leaders are therefore called to make sacrifices that would improve the living conditions of the citizenry, instead of pursuing personal gains that appear to have plunged the country where it is today.
The Movement also advised elected officials at the three tiers of government, including political appointees to inculcate in themselves a sense of sacrifice that puts others and the country first.
The Federal Government has declared Monday, June 17, and Tuesday, June 18, 2024, as public holidays to celebrate this year’s Eid-ul-Adha, observed by Muslims faithfuls all over the world.
Commonly called the “Festival of Sacrifice,” it commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim and the survival of his son, Ishmael. The story behind Eid al-Adha is rooted in the biblical account of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, to obey Allah. However, just as Abraham was about to sacrifice his son, an angel intervened, instructing him to sacrifice a lamb instead.
The faithful are expected to be engaged in communal prayers and marking the day with the slaughtering of their sacrifices – camel, sheep, goats – sharing food and visiting neighbours at this special and religious occasion.
