Arafah Fast, Eid Sacrifice: NASFAT Kaduna Urges Muslims to Embrace Spiritual Rewards, Observe Proper Ileya Rites

Arafah Fast, Eid Sacrifice: NASFAT Kaduna Urges Muslims to Embrace Spiritual Rewards, Observe Proper Ileya Rites

By Zainab Tanimu

The Kaduna Main Branch of NASFAT has called on the Muslim Ummah to take advantage of the immense spiritual benefits attached to fasting on the Day of Arafah, while also urging strict adherence to Islamic guidelines governing the Eid al-Adha sacrifice.

The call was made during a special lecture delivered by the branch Missioner, Imam Mustapha Abdulkareem, at the NASFAT Village mosque in Kaduna, ahead of the forthcoming Eid al-Adha celebration.

Speaking on the significance of the Arafah fast, the cleric described the Day of Arafah — observed on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah — as one of the most spiritually rewarding days in Islam, especially for Muslims who are not participating in the Hajj pilgrimage.

According to him, the rewards attached to the fast are enormous and should motivate every Muslim to observe it sincerely.

“The reward of two years promised by Allah is something every Muslim should look forward to,” he stated.

Quoting a famous Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the Imam explained that fasting on the Day of Arafah serves as expiation for sins committed in the previous and coming year.

“Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the coming year,” he quoted.

He explained that the sacred day is one in which Allah showers mercy abundantly upon His servants and forgives sins, while pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia to perform one of the most important rites of Hajj.

Imam Abdulkareem further noted that the Day of Arafah also holds historical significance in Islam, as it was during the Farewell Pilgrimage of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that the verse declaring the perfection of Islam was revealed.

Highlighting the spiritual and emotional benefits of the fast, he said it strengthens closeness to Allah, encourages repentance and self-reflection, purifies the heart, and helps Muslims cultivate patience and discipline.

He added that the observance also promotes gratitude, humility, inner peace, and a sense of unity among Muslims worldwide.

The cleric encouraged Muslims to maximize the sacred day through acts of worship such as supplication, seeking forgiveness, recitation of the Qur’an, remembrance of Allah, charity, and other good deeds.

“Many Islamic scholars describe Arafah as one of the best days for heartfelt prayers because supplications made on that day are highly valued in Islam,” he added.

The lecture also focused extensively on the proper conduct of Eid al-Adha, popularly known as Ileya or Eid Kabir in Nigeria, particularly regarding the slaughtering of sacrificial animals.

Educating worshippers on animals permitted for sacrifice in Islam, the Imam explained that only specific categories of livestock known as Bahīmatul An‘ām are acceptable.

According to him, animals approved for sacrifice include sheep, goats, rams, cows, bulls, and camels, provided they are healthy, properly owned, and slaughtered according to Islamic injunctions.

He outlined the minimum age requirements for sacrificial animals, stating that goats must be at least one year old; sheep or rams should be at least six months old if mature-looking; cows and bulls must be at least two years old; while camels should not be less than five years old.

The Imam also warned against using animals with serious defects for sacrifice, including blind, severely sick, weak, or badly injured animals.

On the timing of the slaughter, he stressed that sacrifices must only be carried out after the Eid prayer and within the designated days approved in Islam.

He advised Muslims to wait until the symbolic slaughtering at the Eid prayer ground before commencing the slaughtering of their own sacrificial animals.

He further cautioned against the use of animals not permitted for Eid sacrifice, including chickens, ducks, fish, wild animals, and carnivorous animals.

Explaining the Islamic rulings on sharing sacrificial animals, he said a sheep, ram, or goat is usually meant for one individual or household, while a cow or camel can be shared among up to seven people.

He also clarified that both men and women who are financially capable are permitted to perform the sacrifice.

The cleric noted that the Eid sacrifice commemorates the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his son in submission to Allah’s command before Allah replaced the child with a ram.

The lecture session, which attracted a large turnout of members, ended with interactive discussions as participants asked questions for further clarification on issues relating to fasting and Eid sacrifices.