Hajj and Edil-Kabir: The Impact and Lessons Within

By Ishola Gbenga (ANIPR)

This piece of intervention, on this year's Eid-el-Kabir and the processes leading to the 2024 Hajj exercise has been written by this writer in the past three weeks, yet couldn't be put out for public consumption as it remains incomplete on the basis of the fact that necessary authorities have not only spoken, as they do annually, and since some facts and figures are yet to be gathered to situate the process in it real perspective, especially putting pilgrims from Kwara in focus and the efforts being put in place by the Governor Abdulraman Abdulrasaq's led administration to ensure a hitchfree arrangements for pilgrims from the State, this article had to wait till now.

Given the foregoing, it is therefore, safe to make available, an opinion of this ilk, especially at a time like this when one of the prominent religious leaders in the land, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has officially declared that Sunday, June 16, 2024, will be celebrated as Eid-El-Kabir, marking the first day of Dhul Hijjah. 

Aside His Eminence's declaration, it has also been confirmed that a total number of 3,102 pilgrims from Kwara have all landed the holy land successfully as it would be recall that the inaugural flight of the State took place on May 21st, 2024, when over 300 pilgrims travelled to Saudi Arabia to participate in the ongoing Hajj exercise which brought to conclusion, the airlifting of the 2024 Hajj pilgrims from Kwara State with the departure of the final batch from Gen. Tunde Idiagbon International Airport, Ilorin on Saturday, June 8th, 2024 at exactly 3:06 am local time.

With the above in mind, worthy of note also is the fact that, Eid-El-Kabir, also known as Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham as pronounced by Christians) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. That could also be referred to as a test of faith.

It is also the month of Hajj of any Islamic Calendar year, which is identified as glorious and eventful. Islamic Clerics referred and described the month as endowed with divine mercies, blessings and total liberation from yokes of evil bondage. Meanwhile, the month of Hajj heralds every Islamic year with a lot of religious activities to usher in the new year in Islamic World. Muslims from across the universe embark on pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia during the month to perform the fifth and last piller of Islam which is the Hajj exercise.

However, the peak of Hajj rites takes place on every Arafat Day when the large mass of Muslims pilgrims will converge on the Mount Arafat from the early hours of the day till the sun-set. Arafat Day is therfore, the cradle of Hajj rites and for spiritual transportation of the pilgrims, who were opportune to be at the spot and for the specific period. Pilgrims will later converge at Munna to perform another sacrifice of slaughtering rams, goats and other animals prescribed by Islamic injunctions. Arafat Day is the eve of Eidil-Kabir when Muslims in all parts of the world will converge at various Eidil-Kabil praying grounds to offer mandatory two Raka-ats prayers to mark the Glorious Day. 

The Mandatory two Rakaat is followed by the slaughtering of rams and goats as earlier exemplified by pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Eid-el-Kabir symbolises unique piousness, righteousness and absolute obedience to the will of Allah. Eid-el-Kabir exemplifies endurance, perseverance and virtues of patience as the festival is marked by special prayers, feasts, and acts of charity.

The festival, as researched by this writer, also emphasises strict adherence to Islamic injunctions and frowns at disregards to religious directives. It re-emphasizes individual's faith in Allah and establishes firm believes in the efficacy of prayers. Eid-el-Kabir disabuses the mind against all forms of satanic temptations and directs people to the path of the Lord. As Muslims continue to bask in the euphoria of this year's Eid-el-Kabir, the impact and lessons of the holy period should reflect and transform their lives for improved living standards.

As a Christian, I am proud to put on record that, I have friends and family members, (with whom I had spoken severally while still in Saudi Arabia) currently observing the 2024 Hajj exercise which goes to show the strength and uniqueness of our diversity as a people, and of great nation for which, one believes such strength of purpose should be harness for a greater and prosperous Nigeria of our dream.

For any decern mind, Hajj exercise shouldn't be seen as a period to catch fun, exchange banters or focusing on material things. Instead, it should be considered as a moment of sober reflection, lifetime opportunity to have some spiritual rejuvenations, connections and lasting encounter with onse creator.

Looking at the whole 2024 Hajj process holistically, perhaps putting Kwara in focus as evident in my conversations with some of the pilgrims from Kwara, the unwavering supports and necessary logistics put in place by the state government, to ensure a hitchfree Hajj for pilgrims from the State, is wonderful, for which Governor Abdulraman Abdulrasaq's choice of selection, in the person of Senator, Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, as the Contingent Leader for this year's Hajj is highly commendable.

While urging our Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress, and development of our dear country, Nigeria, I wish to felicitate with Nigeria’s Muslim Ummah as they join their counterpart accross the world to celebrate this year's Eid-El-Kabir. May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds. Aseyi Samodunooo!

Ishola Gbenga is a journalist, and an Associate Member, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Kwara State Chapter.

Isholagbenga@yahoo.com 

09-06-2024