By Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani
According to the highest body saddled with the responsibility of moon sighting in Nigeria (the sultanate council), Sunday the 11th of July 2021 was declared the first day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah in Nigeria.
The first ten days of Zhull Hijja (the last month on the Islamic calendar) are observed with reverence by Muslims worldwide. Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him (PBUH), said: There are no days on which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than the days of Hajj.
Muslim faithful globally assemble in Meccah to perform one of Islam’s fundamental principles (Hajj). Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, only Saudi nationals are allowed to perform the Hajj this year. However, those who cannot visit the holy land are not left behind to accomplish good actions. Those at home are admonished to thank their Lord frequently, seek forgiveness, intensify prayers and fast throughout the nine pivotal days or at least fast on the Arafat day. Muslims are enjoined to make sacrifices on the tenth day to seek Allah’s pleasure.
According to Islamic teachings, remembering Allah wipes away sins, cures problems, and eliminates calamities no matter how burdensome they may be. Speaking about difficulties and calamities, indeed Nigeria is a country in a critical period; now is the perfect time for our Muslim brothers and sisters to intensify prayers and seek Allah’s intervention to free the country from the shackles of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnappings, armed robbery, violent secessionists, domestic violence, and other forms of terrorism.
Sallah is in a few days, but ordinary Nigerians can no longer afford the Salla ram, thanks to inflation. So while it’s part of Sunnah to make sacrifices by slaughtering an animal at the end of the ten days, it is strongly advised that the fortunate among us should give aid to the less privileged. Doing so will increase their wealth and will please Allah, adding more blessings to their wealth.
Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani writes from Galadima Mahmud street, kasuwar-kaji Azare, Bauchi State.