As Muslims across Nigeria continue the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, many families are rediscovering one of the festival’s most treasured traditions, coming together.
From crowded dining tables to heartfelt reunions, the season is becoming more than a religious celebration, but a moment of love, sacrifice and family bonding.
The sounds of laughter, prayers and celebration continue to echo across many homes as Muslim families gather to mark Eid-el-Kabir.
In many communities, children play excitedly while elders exchange greetings and families bond over shared meals and cherished memories.
For many faithful, the celebration is about more than festive food and the slaughtering of rams, it is a moment to reflect on the values of sacrifice, obedience and compassion symbolized by Prophet Ibrahim, while strengthening family ties.
An islamic cleric, Alhaji Abdul-Ganeey Abdul-Azeez speaks on sacrifice.
“Saving for months to buy animal, new clothes and food even when money is scarce, travelling long distances, taking leave from work, for families it becomes a yearly obedience, gratitude and letting go of things that hold back. Cancelling other things just to be home”.
Despite rising living costs and economic hardship, many Nigerians are still travelling to reunite with loved ones.
Parents and grandparents say the season brings joy as relatives separated by work, marriage and distance come together once again.
Many families believe the gatherings offer relief from the pressures of daily life, creating time for conversations, prayers and reconnection.
Uztaz Alhameen Iliya and Alhaji Abdulateef Aliu say,
“It gives room for reconciliation, fix family issues, relationship conflict and also bring people together from diverse culture. Bringing families together whose who have been far away, even those who are outside the country, they can’t do without coming home to celebrate the sallah”.
Experts also say such moments help build emotional security for children and preserve important family values.
Beyond the home, the spirit of Eid is reaching neighbours and the less privileged, with many residents sharing food, supporting struggling families and spreading kindness.
“The actual sacrifice of the animals and sharing the meat with neighbours and the poor also reinforces duty to the community. Families work towards developmental target for the entire family and this is done during this period”.
For many Muslims, the true meaning of Eid this year lies not just in celebration, but in unity, compassion and humanity.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen.