Sultan Abubakar, Presidents Tinubu, Traore of Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Atiku, others pray Eid in Sokoto, Lagos, Ouagadougou, Abuja on Eid-ul Adha

By BASHIR ADEFAKA, KEMI KASUMU, OUR REPORTERS

During the Jumat service that followed, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, directed that special prayers be offered for Nigeria as it celebrates yet another Democracy Day in the coming week, Thursday June 12, 2025.

The Eid-ul Adha, festival of animal sacrifice, for this year 1446AH, 2025 has been celebrated across the world with our reporters in Nigeria and other nations of Africa saying the celebrations went well amidst acknowledgements of Allah’s favour and blessings, despite economic challenges affecting affordability of ram for many faithful in Nigeria.

In the Nigeria’s Seat of Caliphate, Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, led Muslims including the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Hon. Idris Muhammad Gobir, who stood in for Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto currently performing Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, top members of Sultanate Council and government functionaries to observe the Qurbani that is the Solatul Eid behind the Chief Imam of Sokoto, Sheikh Liman Malami Akwara, at the Central Eid Praying Ground, Sokoto City on Friday June 6, 2025.

Other reports from around Nigeria said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had been away from Abuja since the last anniversary of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), attended the Dodan Barracks Eid Praying Ground, Obalende, Ikoyi, Lagos State, accompanied by the state’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, several other top government officials and dignitaries, including his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.

Also in attendance were the former Minister of Power and one-time Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; the Chairman of the BUA Group, Abdus-Samad Rabiu, the Group Chief Executive of Oando, Wale Tinubu, and Tinubu’s friend, Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo.

Tinubu, speaking to journalists after the prayer, urged Nigerians to embrace unity, compassion, and generosity, especially towards the vulnerable.

Also at the AYA Eid Praying Ground in Abuja, the nation’s capital, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, along several others attended prayer to celebrate the festival of animal sacrifice in giving gratitude to their Lord for his mercy over the country and his people.

The DEFENDER reports that in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso, globally acknowledged Africa’s most power leader and revolutionary President Ibrahim Traore observed his Solatul Eid, Qurbani, his normal location clad in his usual simple, unpresidential and unassuming mufti dress and still went ahead to assist the Imam in the slaughtering of ram during the Eid earlier on Friday.

On Friday, also, the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Yayi Akorede, led Muslims in the state capital capital at the Oda Road Eid Praying Ground, while the Iralepo of Isinkan Kingdom, Oba (Barrister) Olugbenga Ojo Olofin-Adimula, joined the Muslims of his autonomous township community at the celebration.

Convoy of Sultan of Sokoto, who is the Leader of all Muslims of Nigeria, traditionally left Central Eid Praying Ground and drove through another route on his way back to join the governor, represented by his Deputy, other dignitaries and several indigenes, residents and guests from other parts of Nigeria at the Sultan Palace Arcade to continue the social aspect of the celebrations.

After the Arcade’s activities, the Sarki Musulumi of Nigeria retreated into his one of the palace chambers used for the reception of very important visitors and where the Deputy Governor, Hon. Idris Muhammad Gobir, paid him his Sallah Homage as it is the practice every Eid celebration.

During the visit, the Sokoto State leader thanked the Sultan for his untiring effort at achieving a peaceful, united and we’ll secured Sokoto Caliphate, Northern Nigeria and, especially, in the effective leadership that he has been providing to the Muslim Ummah of Nigeria in the rewardable practice and worship of their Lord.

The Sultan, in his response, saluted the state government for carrying on well with its business of governance, greeted the Muslim Ummah wishing them a happy celebration and prayer that Allah would accept what they have been able to do as an act of worship.

Sultan orders prayers for Nigeria over Democracy Day

During the Jumat service that followed, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, directed that special prayers be offered for Nigeria as it celebrates yet another Democracy Day in the coming week, Thursday June 12, 2025.

He had also directed that prayers be offered across Jumat mosques in the country especially in the North for continued strengthening and sustainability of the nation’s democracy and for leaders to continue to succeed.

After the Eid, Atiku in a short comment posted on his verified Facebook page said, “This morning, I joined other Muslim faithful to observe the Eid-ul Kabir prayers at AYA Central Mosque Eid Prayer Ground in Abuja. May Allah accept our supplications. Eid Mubarak!”

Emulate Prophet Ibrahim – Osolo of Isolo

In his Sallah message to Muslims of his autonomous township community in Akure South and across the country, the Osolo of Isolo Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Edward Kolawole Adewole, Osalade II, Akesoogun Orisa Obaluaye Mosu, urged the Islamic faithful to emulate the behaviour of Prophet Ibrahim peace be upon him by obeying the commands of Almighty Allah.

“Speaking from his palace, Oba Adewole congratulating the Muslims, admonishes them to take precautions and ensure moderation in the course of their celebration.

“Akesoogun further states that as Anobi Ibrahim showed an exemplary life of obedience and sacrifice, Muslims across the world should emulate the gesture by obeying the commands of almighty Allah and as well extend hands of sacrificial love to those who are incapacitated.

“Oba Osalade II observes that every Celebration witnessed on earth is made possible by almighty Allah, he therefore appreciates Almighty Allah on behalf of the Muslim faithful and entire Isolo town.

“Oba Adejoyegbe Adewole in his congratulatory message give royal prayers that almighty Allah would at the instance of this celebration continue to intervene for the cohesion and progress of Isolo Kingdom, Akure south, Ondo State and Nigeria at large.

“Oba Osolo concludes by praying for all residents- Muslims and non Muslims shall be blessed and celebrate many more in affluence of blessing and peace.

“Once again, happy celebration,” the Osolo said, according to a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Administration and Media, Comrade Ayomide Michael.

Significance of Eid al-Adha – AIT/Raypower Imam

In his own detailed submission on the importance of sacrifice during Eid al-Adha, Chief Imam of AIT/Raypower Muslim Community, Alhaji Mujtaba Dawodu, outlined the significance of Salat al-Eid al-Adha, and the sharing of meat with the poor and non-Muslims, with references from the Quran and Hadith in both Arabic and English.

According to the Lagos State University don, “Eid al-Adha is one of the most significant celebrations in Islam, marked by deep spiritual reflection and acts of charity.

“It is the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage and commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, Isma’il (Ishmael), in obedience to Allah’s command.”

He said, “This event serves as a reminder of submission to Allah’s will and the importance of sacrifice, charity, and community welfare.

“The act of sacrifice during Eid al-Adha is deeply tied to the story of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) and his son Isma’il (PBUH). In obedience to Allah’s command, Ibrahim was prepared to sacrifice his son, but Allah intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed in his place,” and he provided Qur’anic reference to back up his message citing Surah As-Saffat (37:102-107).

“This incident demonstrates Ibrahim’s obedience and submission to Allah, as well as Allah’s mercy in providing an alternative sacrifice. The ram, which was substituted for Isma’il, symbolizes Allah’s mercy in sparing the life of the son.

He provided Hadith reference from Sahih Muslim (Book 10, Hadith 129), qouting, “The son of Ibrahim was to be sacrificed, and the angels told him that his sacrifice would be accepted. He made a supplication to Allah, and Allah saved his son. So Ibrahim (A.S.) was ordered to sacrifice a ram in place of his son.”

On the the significance of the sacrifice, Qurbani, Imam Mujtaba Dawodu said, “The act of sacrifice is a symbolic act of devotion to Allah. By sacrificing an animal, we acknowledge that everything we possess is a gift from Allah.

“The meat from the sacrifice is distributed to the poor, showing our compassion and concern for others, reinforcing the principles of charity and solidarity,” he said, citing Qur’anic reference Surah Al-Hajj (22:37): “It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him.”

This verse highlights that the act of sacrifice is a means of drawing closer to Allah through the demonstration of piety, rather than the mere physical act of slaughter.

On the significance of Salat al-Eid al-Adha, he said, “Salat al-Eid is a special prayer performed on the morning of Eid al-Adha. It is a congregational prayer and a symbol of unity among Muslims. Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim (Book 4, Hadith 752): “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would perform the Eid prayer in congregation, with two Rak‘ahs, and would begin by saying Takbeer before reciting Surah Al-Fatiha.”

In conclusion, the university lecturer, Mujtaba Dawodu said, “Eid al-Adha is a celebration of submission to Allah, the importance of sacrifice, and the spirit of community. By performing the act of Qurbani, engaging in Salat al-Eid, and sharing the meat with the less fortunate and even non-Muslims, we manifest the core Islamic principles of charity, unity, and compassion. These acts allow Muslims to demonstrate their gratitude to Allah for His blessings, to strengthen the bonds of community, and to ensure that everyone, regardless of status, shares in the joy of Eid.”