Eid-el-Maulud: Muslims say prayer, charity important during celebration

Some Muslims in Rivers have said that Maulud celebration is focusing more on prayers and charity than lavish feasts amid soaring food prices.

They made the remark when our correspondent visited their communities in Obio/Akpor areas of the state on Friday.

Mr Isa Daura, a trader at Yam Zone market in Iriebe, Obio/Apkor said Muslims currently contributed money to buy ram and shared, cooked simpler meals while focusing on their prayers and love in their celebration.

According to him, people are coping with the Eid price hike by cooking simpler meals and focusing more on prayer and charity than lavish feasts.

‘’Many rely on community support, so we try as much as possible to cut down on nonessential spendings to make the celebration meaningful without breaking the bank,” Daura said.

According to Sheik Ibrahim, the Muslim leader at a Mosque in Iriebe, Eid-el-Maulud celebration represents Prophet Muhammad’s birth and a time for Muslims to reflect on his life and teachings like virtues and justice.

He said that the celebration also aimed at uniting communities in prayers, sermons, and joyful gatherings towards strengthening love and commitment, as well as spread peace, charity and spiritual renewal.

He added that ram was a key ritual, but not compulsory especially for those who could not afford it.

”Prices have been high lately, so, some families share costs or skip ram during the celebration,” he said.

Also speaking, Mrs Amina Haruna, a fabric trader in Oyigbo area, said that clothing and fabric prices had also gone up during the celebration.

According to her, outfits now range between N9,500 per yard of fabric and N35,000 for ready-made clothes; there are options for different budgets, depending on affordability.

“Eid is basically celebrated according to individual’s financial budget, but the significance of the ritual, love and commitment, has remained unchanged over the years just as we are observing same today.

“I am optimistic that future celebrations will be better as we look forward to a better economy,” she added.

Our correspondent reports that the prices of rams had increased by about 400 per cent compared to 2024, with some big ones costing as much as N1 million, while the small one, N250,000.

Mr Ben Oputa, a trader at the Oyigbo Central Market, said the prices of other staple foods like Beans, Rice, Pepper and Onions also increased to over 20 per cent.

He attributed the price increase to inflation and insecurity.