Eid-el-Kabir: Special prayers for sustainable peace, unity held in Sokoto 

From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto

As the Muslim Ummah across the world are celebrating the Eid-el-Kabir on Wednesday, the Muslim faithful in Sokoto State were not left out.

Our Correspondent in Sokoto who monitored the joyous moments repeats that the two-Raka’at Eid prayers were peacefully across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

It was also happily observed that despite the biting socio-economic situation in the country, the Muslim faithful were seen beautifully dressed in mostly their new Sallah clothes, gaily dressed while several others cleaned up their old dresses.

Our Correspondent also reports that most of the faithful had managed to afford various sacrificial animals like rams, cows, sheep, goats and camels, among others.

At the Fakon-Idi Sokoto, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, his deputy, Engr. Idris Muhammad Gobir and the former Governor of the state, Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, were among the multitude of worshipers who prayed there.

The prayer, that was attended by thousands of Muslim faithful, including men,  women, the young and the elderly, was led by the Chief Imam of Sultan Muhammadu Bello Jumaat Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Bello Akwara.

He delivered a sermon focusing on the need for unity, prayers and love for one another across religious, ethnic and cultural divides.

Shortly after the prayer, the Chief Imam slaughtered his ram, symbolizing the commencement of the animals’ sacrifices.

A cross section of the celebrants interviewed expressed deepest gratitude to the Almighty Allah for sparing their lives to witness the epochal festivity.

They also vowed that the biting poverty in the country will not deter them from enjoying the moment of joy being observed across the world.

Our Correspondent also recalls that the millions of Hajj pilgrims had observed the Arafat in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, 9th Dhulhijjah.