Ileya

Location Lafenwa, Abeokuta. NG
Client Self-sponsored
Category Documentary

 

Eid el-Adha, commonly known as Eid Kabir or the festival of sacrifice, holds profound importance in the Islamic Calendar 1444 AH (2023 AD) is expected to take place in the last week of June, and with it comes the long-awaited world’s biggest Islamic festival to mark the end of the Holy pilgrimage, the fifth pillar of Islam.

In Nigeria, the celebration tagged “ileya” in Yoruba meaning “Homecoming” or BabanSallah in Hausa meaning “Big Sallah” is one filled with loads of excitement whereby both Muslims and Christians celebrate together, throwing big feasts and spreading love to family and friends.

As most Muslim faithful already know, animals to be slaughtered for Eid el Adha must meet certain criteria. The age and physical well-being of the animal constitute the topmost priorities. For instance, goats and rams must not be less than one year old, cows must not be less than two years old, while camels must not be less than five years old.

The cow in this picture was ignorant of two things: the feasts and teeth waiting to see it serenade taste buds.

There is no gainsaying the fact that the animals must be in top shape. But beyond physical health, the animals must not suffer any impairment. For instance, blind or one-eyed animals are forbidden. Animals with broken horns or have a missing tail are also completely unacceptable. More so, animals that are either crippled, extremely malnourished, or castrated are also forbidden.