It’s a Muslim holiday, and it’s one of the few instances where I’m actually sad that I’m not in Lagos State. That’s where I have a lot of Muslim friends and neighbors and I know very well that this period would have been lit for me. Here in Owerri, the Christian population is way larger and the only Muslims I know are lecturers and I’m sure they’ve already traveled to celebrate the occasion with their friends and families.
This reminds me so much of the old days, back when I was just a kid. The streets would have been filled up by now and would be really colorful. As far back as Monday, we would have been observing ram fights as children tried to prove that their ram was stronger than that of their friends. It was always a period of merry.
And then, when the day finally came around, it was always like a free-for-all. Muslim traders didn’t open their shops, and those that did open up sold at a large discount. If they even liked you, they could let you have it for free. There’s a man who pumps water and sells it to the community, during such festivals, he gives the water for free.
And then, should I talk about the food? There will always be rice and boatloads of meat to go around for everyone. And if you’re like me, someone who has quite a number of Muslim friends, you’d know the right places to go for all these.
This was how it was, year in and year out. But since I got admitted into school and started spending most of my life in Owerri, I’ve not really observed another such celebration in Lagos. So, I don’t know if things have changed now, or if they are still the same.
But then, one thing I’ve learned over the years from my association with Muslims is that these celebrations are not just about eating rice and meat. They’re a whole lot more. As a child, that was all it seemed to me. I only saw the celebrations but I never really took into cognizance the things that preluded the celebrations.
The Eid Al-Fitri is a culmination of what has been a month of fasting, intense spiritual exercises, and devotion. It’s a joyful celebration, one that can truly be felt after one has gone through the month of Ramadan. I guess that’s why they go all out in the celebration because 30 days of fasting is not a child’s play at all.
So, it’s a beautiful day all around and since I’m not presently in Lagos, I’ll only do the little I can. Which is wishing every one of my Muslim fellows happy celebrations. I’ll call some of them, I’ll text the rest, but I’ll make sure they get my wishes.
And on that note, I’m wishing every Muslim faithful reading this a happy Eid celebration. May you witness more celebrations like this in more years to come and may there always be a reason for you and your family to celebrate.
Have a great day!
