Today, Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid al-Adha, known as Eid-el-Kabir, in this part of the world. This “Festival of the Sacrifice” honours the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, as an act of submission to God’s command, before God intervened, through his angel Jibra’il (Gabriel) informing him that his sacrifice has already been accepted as he got a ram in place of his son.

Islam teaches that the meat from the sacrificed ram be divided into three parts – one for the family, one for relatives and friends and neighbours, and the last for the poor and needy.

EMPHASIS: The meat is divided into three parts. Only one part is for us. The other two are for others.

This is a day for Muslims to beam the light of sacrifice across board and keep it shining even after today. The present economic recession in our country does not give room for pomp and pageantry laced with lavish eating and drinking. In fact the situation invokes the “self first” attitude because “no one knows if the cup of rice you bought for N70 today may be N80 tomorrow”. Hence the temptation:“My tomorrow first, my neighbour later, every man for himself”

So, while I join every Muslim in Nigeria and indeed the entire world to pray that the blessings of this celebration abide with us, I want to opine that this festival is not for Muslims alone.

The lesson of this celebration is sacrifice which is easily exhibited in the act of SHARING. The word sharing connotes generosity and unity. It connotes love and joy.

Sadly, however, the harsh economic realities have, in some way, relegated these elements of human existence to the background, giving room for selfishness, avarice and suspicion. This is evident in our inter-tribal, inter-ethnic, inter-religious, inter-faith and inter-ideological relationships and transactions.

So, I think Eid el Kabir, is not just for Muslims. It is a festival to share ourselves with  adherents of other faiths.

I enjoin my Muslim brothers and sisters to reach out today. Tell yourself that this Sallah is not for me, not for Muslims but for the entire human race. Let it be an opportunity to extend olive branches. Let it be an opportunity to stand against terrorism, corruption and underdevelopment.

Let it be an opportunity to help relatives, friends, neighbours, the poor and the needy find happiness. Times are hard, but we are here for each other. Together we shall overcome.