Id El Fitr Celebration in Nigeria

In the part of the world where I currently live, there is no public holiday for the Id El Fitr festival. The reason I decided to write about it is that my native friends here do not even know what Id El Fitr was, and that conversation was the reason for this post.

Id El Fitr is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Nigeria, where there is a large Muslim population. The festival is celebrated all over the country with great enthusiasm and joy, with different cultural traditions and practices.

In Nigeria, the festival of Eid al-Fitr usually begins with the sighting of the new moon, which heralds the end of Ramadan, considered a holy month by Muslim believers. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs is responsible for determining the exact date of Eid al-Fitr based on the sighting of the moon.

On the day of Eid al-Fitr, Muslims in Nigeria get up early, take a bath, wear new or clean clothes, and go to the mosque to perform the special Eid prayer, Salat al-Eid. Prayer usually takes place in large open spaces or in designated prayer areas throughout the country. After the prayer, Muslims greet each other with “Eid Mubarak”,” which means “blessed Eid”, and share food and sweets.

One of the most important aspects of the Eid al-Fitr festival in Nigeria is the emphasis on charity and giving. Muslims are encouraged to give generously to the poor and needy in their communities, and many people also distribute food and gifts to the needy.

In addition to the religious celebrations, there are also cultural festivals associated with Eid al-Fitr in Nigeria. These include music, dance, and traditional performances, as well as visits to friends and relatives. In some parts of Nigeria, special dishes and sweets are also prepared for the festival, such as rice dishes, meat stews, and sweet pastries.

Overall, Eid al-Fitr in Nigeria is a time of celebration and fellowship that focuses on prayers, charity, and cultural traditions.

Oh yes, before I forget: During Id el Fitr in Nigeria, you will hear your Muslim friends say: “This is not the big Sallah and not the one we slaughter the ram” lol.