Islamic leaders urge Nigerian Muslims not to indebt themselves to celebrate Sallah

SEVERAL prominent Islamic clerics have warned Nigerian Muslims not to indebt themselves during the forthcoming Eid el-Adha festival by borrowing money to go and purchase rams just so they can partake in the festivities.

Across Nigeria, Wednesday and Thursday will be public holidays as Muslims celebrate Sallah  and with most faithful looking to slaughter rams to celebrate the event, cleric have advised caution. Islamic clerics have advised Muslims to shun desperation but celebrate the festival within their means.

Some of these clerics urged Muslims to seek Allah’s pleasure with the resources available to them and not get themselves into financial trouble over Sallah festival. Professor Taofeek Abdulazeez,  the chief imam of the University of Abuja, warned Muslims against borrowing for the Sallah celebration, admonishing them to buy only what they can afford.

He said: “They should buy what they can afford. They should please Allah alone, as  desperation is not a way to please Allah. They should buy what they can afford and must not borrow.”

“It is a sign of submission, sacrifice and patience of our father, Prophet Ibrahim. We should be patient over domestic crises which resulted in the relocation of the younger wife to Makkah and the establishment of Makkah for Hajj rites and other Islamic contents. We should also learn sacrifice and submission, sincerity and perseverance.”

Also, Sheikh Tajudeen Adewunmi,  the secretary-general of League of Imams and Alfas in Ogun State, added:  “It is not compulsory for Muslims to slaughter rams. Only those who can afford it should do so. Allah does not suck blood and neither does He eat flesh, what He needs is for mankind to have His fear.”

Professor Sharafadeen Abdulkareem, the deputy chief imam of the Federal  University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, said: “It is not acceptable for any Muslim to borrow money when he has no capability. But if he belongs to a cooperative society and the body is ready to lend him money for the Sallah, he can go ahead.

“If he is a civil servant that wants to use his or her salary to buy ram, he can borrow money and buy it. Allah does  not accept anyone’s worship that is desperate.”