Some Islamic adherents have clarified that Eid el-Fitr celebration is actually a time to thank God for his sustenance and strength to carry out the one month fasting of Ramadan.

In separate interviews with Kristina Reports on Thursday, April 11, 2024, some of the Muslim faithful residing in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State expressed their feelings about the event.

Speaking to Kristina Reports, Ibrahim Lukeman, 13 told newsmen that it’s just a small celebration compared to what is coming ahead.

“This one is a small feast, it’s just all about thanksgiving. We went to the mosque yesterday and today to pray. I’m just coming from my friends’ house. I went to visit them and also join them to thank God”

Speaking also, Aminu told Kristina Reports that it is an auspicious occasion in the Islamic sect as the religion is built on five major pillars.

“Islam is built on five pillars and they are, faith, fasting, prayers, alms giving and thanksgiving. So this sallah celebration is very important to us Muslims because this is where our worship is hinged on”

Aminu further said that Muslims believes that everything that happens has been willed by the Almighty Allah and as such, it will be a sign of disregard to question the Almighty.

“We believe that everything that happens is out of the benevolence of God and that is why we always say thank you to him. If it is good, if it is bad, we thank God.

“We don’t judge people. We don’t apportion blame on people, even when we know who wronged us, we believe that if Allah doesn’t will it, it won’t happen.

“So, the essence of the celebration is majorly thanksgiving and this is on a small note. The bigger one is coming and that’s three months from now.”

From Offa LGA of Kwara state, a Muslim dominated area, Raheemat Yakub, 28, a civil servant spoke to Kristina Reports on the preparation of the feast.

“For Sallah preparation, we did the whole Sallah Shopping on Monday Afternoon. Since the moon was not sighted on Monday evening, we also had Tuesday o do some other activities, I went to the saloon.”

Raheemat also added that the feast is majorly to declare the end of the fasting period and a call for celebration and merriment by eating and drinking.

“More important is the Eid prayers, where all Muslims go for the prayers, but old, young, men and women. Shops and houses are closed and empty, everyone’s to gather for the Eid prayers which was around 9:45am.”