SALLAH: CELEBRATING THE ISLAMIC FESTIVAL

Coined from the Yoruba word meaning, “time to go home”, Ileya or Sallah, is a prominent Islamic festival celebrated by Muslims all over the world regardless of sect—Shia, Sunni, Sufism—to replicate the historic faithfulness and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). In Nigeria, Ileya is celebrated by Muslims and some Christians, as well as the adherents of the African Traditional Religion. This corroborates the Yoruba adage that: ”Eni T’Odún bá ba’laiye, O ye ko s’ope” which connotatively means, “Whoever witnesses a season should celebrate.” The Yoruba also use the assertion to justify their love for festivities. Many Nigerians celebrate festivals not minding the religion they practice. Ileya has therefore become every Nigerian’s festival!

The festival which symbolizes faith, worship, patience, obedience, love, and the relevance of promise in Islam spurs happiness accompanied with anxiety. Only few people ponder the pristine relevance of the celebration. Many consider it a season of dressing: a season to show the world how luxurious you are; a season to uncover your achievements from the city to those villagers you meet annually; a season for ram slaughter; a season to “make it” from ram fight; and a season to break the long desertion from the village. These, among others, are the burden that come with Ileya festival. Ileya has become a festival of oppression to many. A Nigerian woman must plait the trending hairstyle, wear the owambe clothes and jewelry, and be driven in the latest cars. The “burden bearers”—men—have to work harder to meet these demands to enable them secure their “burden.” What an expensive season!

As a solution to the self-imposed burden, I appeal to readers to appreciate the relevance of pristine knowledge in human endeavors. The festival should be an avenue to obey God’s ordainment by following the strict recommendations of the festival: the will to obey God; to slaughter sacrificial animal; to glorify God; to express happiness; and to show love. It is high time we ceased doing the contrary. While good outfits are one of the rites of the festival, wearing extravagant dress that affects our economic life is contradictory. As a matter of fact, the slaughtering of sacrificial ram is not compulsory in a case of financial constraints. Plaiting expensive hairstyle to celebrate the festival is another self-imposed burden that Nigerians should avoid as the Islamic religion places emphasis on the plaiting of natural hair rather than adding artificial materials. Religion as well as humanity also detest engaging animals in fights, especially sacrificial animals. The essence of the festival also reflects charity to the poor, by extending the chevon and beefs of the sacrificed animal to the less privileged. It should not be based on, “they give us, so we must give” which is a prevalent act in Nigeria, especially among the Yoruba.

 I also suggest that celebrants of Ileya travel to their destinations earlier before the fixed date—provided they have no responsibilities to attend to in their workplaces. This will help prevent the hold-ups on the roads which often cause accidents. Unnecessary carnivals should be avoided.

 My wish to all Muslims is to celebrate in peace, love, and joy.

Abdulkabir Muhammed, Lagos State University, abdulkabirm87@gmail.com