Ram sellers in Jos, Plateau State capital, have complained about the low turnover of sales a few days before Eid El Kabir festivities, as customers also claim that the cost of Ram is too high.
Ram sellers at the Yanshanu Market in the state’s Jos North Local Government Area claimed that this year’s business was not thriving as fewer buyers came to buy rams for the Sallah festivities.
Although there had been low patronage at ram markets across the country in the past, ram sellers said that this year’s low patronage at animal market places is the worst they have ever seen.
Ram dealers at the market said the low patronage being experienced in the market could improve if government pays June salary before Monday.
The traders also attributed the development largely to the fuel subsidy removal and the security challenges bedeviling the country.
Muhammed Rabiu, General Secretary, Livestock Association, Jos North LGA and an animal dealer at the Yanshanu Market, explained the factors responsible for this development.
He said “We believe that there are factors responsible for the development. The recent fuel subsidy removal is one of the major factors because the effect touches everywhere. The current insecurity experienced in the country, especially between farmers and herders and the kidnapping activities are some of the factors. Nonpayment of June salary could also be responsible.”
Some buyers at the market also complained about hike in the price of the rams this year.
Bala Mika’il, a buyer, said: “We are at the market to buy the ram for the Sallah festivity but the price is high. The rams are untouchable because of their prices. I don’t know how to go about it.”
Muslims Warn Against Borrowing To Buy Sallah Rams
Muslims have been warned not to borrow money to buy rams for the Eid El Kabir festival, which will be celebrated a few days.
Some Islamic clerics took this stance, pleading with Muslims not to be obstinate in their pursuit of the celebration.
The warning is being issued against a backdrop of complaints from certain Muslim pious people regarding the exorbitant price of rams in advance of this year’s celebration.
Some clerics who spoke with The Punch advised Muslims to observe the Eid within their means, stressing that the main goal should be to please Allah.
The Chief Imam of the University of Abuja, Prof. Taofeek AbdulAzeez, admonished Muslims not to burden themselves financially due to the situation of the country, but they should celebrate and spend within their means and resources.
He notes that “They should buy what they can afford. They should please Allah alone; desperation is not a way to please Allah.
“They should buy what they can afford and must not borrow.”
Speaking on the essence of the Eid-el Adha festival, the cleric said, “It is a sign of submission, sacrifice and patience of our father, Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
“We should be patient over domestic crises which resulted in the relocation of the younger wife to Makkah and the establishment of Makkah for Hajj rites, and other Islamic contents. We should also learn sacrifice and submission, sincerity and perseverance.”
Also, the deputy Chief Imam, of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. Sharafadeen AbdulKareem, said, “It is not acceptable for any Muslim to borrow money when he has no capability. But if he belongs to a cooperative society and the body is ready to lend him money for the Sallah, he can go ahead.
“If he is a civil servant that wants to use his or her salary to buy ram, he can borrow money and buy it. Allah does not accept anyone’s worship that is desperate.”
Ada Peter
