Daily Trust Editorial, Wednesday May 27, 2026
Today, Wednesday, May 27, 2026, is being marked as Eid el Kabir (or Big Sallah) in Nigeria. It is also called “Eid- el Ad-ha”, meaning the “Festival of Sacrifice”. Yesterday was Arafat day when an estimated two million pilgrims from all over the world converged at the plains of mount Arafat; marking the climax of the hajj rites.
The 10th of Dhul-Hijjah is an annual Islamic event during which Muslims offer animal sacrifices to commemorate the initial sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) who saw a vision in which he was divinely commanded by Allah to offer his only son then, Ismail, as a sacrifice. The son respectfully consented to the wish of his father, which was inspired by Allah’s command. When Ibrahim (AS) laid his son prostrate on his forehead in readiness for the sacrifice, the son was ransomed by Allah with a ram. This, in essence, is the height of patience and submission in which both Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Ismail (AS) cheerfully offered to suffer self-sacrifice in order to obey Allah’s divine command. Since then, it became a rite for Muslims who possess the means to offer sacrifices, annually, on the 10th day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul-Hijjah.
The major lesson in this annual religious rite of sacrifice is symbolised by Prophet Ibrahim (AS)’s persevering patience and Ismail (AS)’s obedience. Sincere sacrifice as demonstrated by Ismail begins with obedience to divine commandments and to the commands of those charged with authority among us. Obedience to Allah, parents and constituted authorities is, therefore, an expression of, and indeed, an assured path to genuine sacrifices. More importantly, no act of sacrifice goes unrewarded in the sight of Allah.
Sacrifice, which nonetheless encompasses service to humanity, goes beyond animal sacrifices on the occasion of Eid. It also includes giving out our time, physical strength or wealth for the benefit of our country. It equally includes any other intangible sacrifices that could be offered for the development of the society. But, above all, the sacrifice symbolises absolute obedience to Allah. As Allah stated in the Holy Qur’an the blood of the animal sacrificed does not benefit Him but it is done to show the extent of obedience to the directives given to His servant.
Thus, a true Muslim is expected at all times to show absolute obedience in the discharge of his duty to Almighty.
Beyond this sacrifice the occasion is also expected to be a period when Muslims will show love and compassion to his fellow human being. That is why it is instructed that the meat from the sacrifice is shared with neighbours, friends and those who are not well-to-do. In this we will be able to spread love and care as well as unity among ourselves.
The occasion of the Eid should be explored to further religious understanding and national cohesion. We call on Muslims to, during this holy season, include Nigeria in their prayers; pleading with God to bring all the critical security and economic challenges currently confronting the country to a quick end.
This year’s Eid el Adha is being celebrated in challenging times. Hard economic condition and insecurity are prevalent in almost every part of Nigeria. It is therefore, a period when leaders and those tasked with making life bearable to ordinary Nigerians to reflect and take more measures to bring succor to the vulnerable.
With politics taking the centre stage it is also time to work towards installing a selfless leadership that has the fear of Allah and would deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
Daily Trust urges all seeking or entrusted with leadership to make ordinary Nigerian the focus of their endeavor. Also all those eligible to vote should ensure that they only vote for credible persons who will put the progress of our country at their heart.
Leadership founded on an altruistic sense of responsibility and guided by modesty, transparent honesty, justice is generally fundamental to any sacrifices a leader may wish to offer. This is one virtue that is, Today, missing in the character of many public officers in leadership positions in Nigeria. To bring Nigeria out of the socio-economic mess and political misfortune in which bad governance has plunged it, we encourage leaders, elected and appointed, to imbibe the obliging kind of submission exhibited by Ismail (AS). Sacrifices by leaders are meant to inspire those they lead to also make patriotic sacrifices including paying the supreme price, which Ismail was prepared to make.
We also urge Muslims not to denigrate their leaders but pray to Allah to give them the wisdom and the capacity needed to overcome the country’s challenges, especially insecurity. However, leaders are expected to be regularly sensitive to the genuine feelings of those they lead. Politicians and political office holders in the country must resolve to eschew the deepening culture of impunity that is misleading young people.
Daily Trust wishes all Nigerians Happy Sallah!
