FCT residents celebrate Sallah amidst high cost of rams, foodstuff

Muslim faithful in the Bwari community in the FCT celebrated the 2024 Eid-el Kabir amid the high cost of rams and other food items, the Supreme News reports.

Some of the residents told newsmen in separate interviews on Sunday in Abuja that the economic situation would not deter their joy or cost them the celebration.

Mr Aliyu Nafada, a Muslim faithful in Sabon-Gari community, Bwari, said the cost of ram had increased and was almost unaffordable due to the prevailing economic challenges.

“I went to Dei-dei market last week to purchase a big ram but ended up with a small one because I could not afford the big one.

“The one I ended up buying cost me N85,000, while the big one I wanted to buy was sold for a negotiable price of N190, 000.

“Many buyers went there and couldn’t afford the rams, and they went home disappointed,” he said.

Nafada said that he also bought perishables like tomatoes and peppers at exorbitant prices, adding that no matter the situation, the celebration would hold.

Mr. Rilwanu Isah, a commercial motorcyclist, said that people were only trying to fulfil their religious obligations, but Allah did not put a burden on anyone who could not afford the sacrifice of ram.

He said, “I could not afford a ram last year and even this year because the price keeps going higher due to the inflation in the economy.

“If Allah permits me to buy, I will, but people must know that Allah has not put a burden on any Muslim who cannot afford a ram.

”It is good if you can afford a ram; if you can’t, just celebrate either way.”

Isah said that he bought just two kilogrammes of beef for N5,500 each, tomatoes worth N5, 000, and four'mudu’ of rice for N9,600, to cook and make merry with his family, friends, and neighbours.

However, another Muslim faithful, Malam Adamu Sale, a public servant, told newsmen that with the help of his wife, a businesswoman, they were able to buy one ram at N220,000 for the celebration.

Sale said that since his family could not afford to travel for the holiday, as they usually do each year, it cost him less to celebrate in Bwari alongside other friends and neighbours.

“As you can see, we just came back from the praying ground to thank God for today. We will go home to perform our sacrifice, eat, and share with others.

”After that, we can go out to see places of recreation, if not today, tomorrow.

“We will definitely celebrate, irrespective of the economic challenges, because we are grateful to Allah for life.”

He also noted that celebrating the day on a Sunday with Christians going to church was a sign of unity and a blessing.

The correspondent, who visited some ram selling points and markets in the area, reports that an average-sized ram was sold for N80,000, with some going as high as a negotiable price of N500,000.

A big basket of tomatoes was sold for N190,000 as compared to its previous price of N150,000 in May.

A smaller basket and mini bucket of the perishable item were sold for N10,000 and N15,000, respectively.

Supreme News further reports that sacrificing a ram during Sallah, also known as Eid al-Adha, holds profound religious significance for Muslims.

It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command, demonstrating immense faith and submission.