Eid-el-Kabir, known among the Yoruba as ‘Ileya’ festival is an annual celebration among Muslims. However, do children know the significance of the celebration or they just have fun? Some students of MEDMINA COLLEGE, Iyana-Ajia, Egbeda, Ibadan, responded to the question.
Irradatullah Adesina, 12 yrs old, JSS 2
Eid-ul-Adha enjoys special significance because the day marks the climax of Hajj which is the fifth pillar of Islam.
The act of sacrifice on Eid-ul-Adha holds profound meaning and significance for Muslims. It symblisises and commemorate the ultimate act of devotion and obedience to almighty Allah, demonstrated by prophet Ibrahim.
It is always the time when families come together and have fun including poor friends and neighbours.
Mubarak Aliyu, 14 yrs old, SSS 1
As a young boy, I enjoyed the company of my relatives on Ileya day as well as plenty food and drinks but most importantly, I enjoyed giving to the poor out of the ram. This is what every Muslim should intend on this day.
Eid-ul-Adha is a universally celebrated festival of annual Islamic lunar calendar. It is a day anticipated by all- young, old, rich, poor, youth and elderly. It is also a day of remembrance and praising of Allah. This is done when Muslims chant throughout the day and on their way to the Eid ground. It is also a day of slaughtering a sacrificial animal and alms giving to the poor as stated in the Quran.
Faysal Oloso, 16 yrs old, SSS 2
For me, it is a day Muslims gather to celebrate, worship, feast and give thanks. My family would always travel from Lagos to the family house in Ibadan for the celebration. It is a day to rejoice. The flesh and meet of the sacrificed animal is not what reaches Allah but the piety of his believers. The day brings unity to Muslims around the world. All these show the significance of Eid-ul-Adha.
Muhammad Folarin Asimiyu, 12 yrs old, JSS 2
Firstly, before we can know the significance of Eid-ul-Adha, it is important to know what brought about it. The story alone is very beautiful. It came about when Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim to offer his son Ismail but the son was replaced with a ram that brought about Eid-ul-Adha.
I always look forward to Eid-ul-Adha because it is important in my life and that of many Muslims as it brings families together in love and friendship in the community. It also brings about countless rewards and blessings; all pious Muslims want to see it happen. I always look forward to seeing my cousins and uncles who live far away when we all come together when it is Eid-ul-Adha. In addition, I look forward to getting new clothes and other accessories. Ileya as I believe is also very crucial to the welfare of the Muslim ummah.
Mujahid Saheed, 13 yrs old
The significance of Eid-ul-Adha can be well explained by the story behind it. It is a very important event in my life which I always look forward to because it is a day all Muslims are in harmony and there is love in every pious Muslim’s mind. It brings about peace of mind in Muslims while also it brings distant families together and it makes Allah happy. I do not look forward to Eid-ul-Adha because of material benefits rather, for bountiful blessings and reward that Allah will bestow on us. The event strengthens the bond between the Muslim brethren and on that day, there is just one goal in the mind of all to receive the magnanimous blessings of Allah.
Taiwo Raridah Kareem, 15 yrs old, SSS 2
Eid-ul-Adha symbolises the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim to Allah as he was ready to sacrifice his son, but was told to use a ram instead. Eid-ul-Adha is known as the day of sacrifice; this is why Muslims sacrifice an animal.
The day also brings about unity among Muslims. Family members that have not seen one another within a year come together to celebrate together. We do many things including cooking, eating, cleaning, etc and share things we had not shared in a long time. Celebrating Eid for me is pure excitement as I look forward to it every year.
Adiyatullah Babalola, 12 yrs old, Jss 2
Eid-ul-Adha is a day of happiness to all Muslims around the world when we slaughter ram, cow or camel as in the act of Ibaadah as Prophet Ibrahim almost slaughtered his son as a sacrifice before Allah sent a ram in replacement of his son. On that day, we do not eat before going to the Eid ground. The event symbolises the act of obedience in which families come together to perform. I specially like Eid because this is the time I meet my paternal relations that I had never met before. I also like the day because I meet various people of colour, age, height and sometimes tribe as we wear variety of dresses from our usual days and engage in different things. Also, we eat variety of foods and drinks, visit family house to meet grandparents who are always happy to see us.
Aisha Yattara, 13 yrs old, SSS 1
For everyone, Eid is the best time of the year- the celebration, food and new clothes. Eid-ul-Adha is also known as the festival of sacrifice and the major lesson from it is the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim to Allah. I am always excited because of our family reunion with especially my cousins, after a long while. It is a major tradition for us to come together and eat. My new clothes excite me but above all, the Eid money and gifts are usually lovely. Some Muslims also give alms to the poor and for this reason, I love Eid-ul-Adha.
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