By Hamisu Ado Nguru
Eid el Adha for the Muslim Calendar 1444 AH (2023 AD) is expected to take place in the last week of June and with it comes the long-awaited world’s biggest Islamic festival to mark the end of the Holy pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam.
In Nigeria, the celebration tagged “ileya” in Yoruba meaning – “Homecoming” or Babar Sallah in Hausa meaning “Big Sallah” is one filled with loads of excitement whereby both Muslims and Christians celebrate together, throwing big feasts and spreading love to family and friends.
As the season approaches, Farm Zone, one of Nigeria’s most renowned livestock suppliers brings you a complete guide on how to choose your livestock.
Selecting Livestock for the Eid Ritual
As most Muslim faithful already know, animals to be slaughtered for Eid el Adha must meet certain criteria. The age and physical well-being of the animal constitute the topmost priorities. For instance, goats and rams must not be less than one year old, cows must not be less than two years old, while camels must not be less than five years old.
There is no gainsaying the fact that the animals must be in top shape. But beyond physical health, the animals must not suffer any impairment. For instance, blind or one-eyed animals are forbidden. Animals with broken horns or missing tails are also completely unacceptable. More so, animals that are either crippled, extremely malnourished or castrated are also forbidden.
There are no discriminations on the sex of animals that can be slaughtered, however, males are usually the first and preferred option for most believers.
Rules of Eid Adha
As a believer, you may know that the Holy Quran and the Hadiths do not mandate every believer to slaughter an animal. Those who cannot afford any animal can still celebrate and obtain the full blessing of Eid. Therefore, it is advisable not to make some irrational financial decisions just to be able to slaughter an animal.
Meanwhile, for those who can afford to, as long as the livestock meets the minimum approved criteria, there is no limit to the size or number of animals for slaughter.
However, animals must be slaughtered the Halal way, and only after the congregational Eid prayer. Meat parts should be shared into three – home, family and friends, and the disadvantaged/needy Muslims.
It is also important to note that the sacrifice can always be performed on your behalf by trusted Halal meat companies, such as Farm Zone if you are unable to perform it yourself for various reasons.
Farm Zone are located at Lekki Marwa Opposite Twin Waters, Okunde Blue water Zone, Animashaun drive, off Remi Olowude and can be reached via Telephone on 08053202459; 08156738345 or Email – farmzoneng@gmail.com as well as on Instagram – @farmzoneng
