By Isaac Atunlute
As Eid al-Adha approaches, millions of Nigerian Muslims are preparing for the annual ritual of animal sacrifice, one of the most spiritually significant practices in Islam. But with rising inflation, misinformation, and increasing urbanisation, many families are struggling with a pressing question: What can we afford, and what does Islam truly require?
Slaughtering rams, cows, or goats for Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) obedience to Allah. However, for most families, the rising cost of sacrificial animals puts the tradition out of reach.
“Prices are terrifying this year,” said Yusuf Mariam, a mother of three in Abuja. “Last year we got a medium-sized ram for ₦180,000. This year the same size is going for almost ₦300,000.”
In major livestock markets like Deidei in Abuja or Kabuga in Kano, once teeming with buyers, traffic has slowed significantly. Inflation and transport costs from northern grazing fields to urban centres have driven up prices, especially for rams, the animal closely associated with the Eid ritual.
Faith over finance
However, Islamic scholars and leaders are reminding Muslims that the intention (niyyah) behind the sacrifice and adherence to Islamic slaughter practices matters more than the size or cost of the animal.
“One goat, if that’s all you can afford, is religiously acceptable as much as a large cow,” said Malam Ilyasu Ibrahim, a cleric.
Other common halal animals for Eid al-Adha in Nigeria are cows, goats, sheep and camels.
Managing the cost
Cooperative buying: Some Muslim communities and cooperative societies are pooling resources together to buy these animals jointly.
“We paid ₦60,000 each; it’s less expensive that way, and it’ll enable us fulfill our religious obligations,” said Aliyu Musa, an Abuja-based civil servant who recently contributed with his colleagues to purchase two cows for the communal sacrifice.
Plan ahead: Animal prices often spike in the days leading to Eid. Shopping weeks in advance, especially in local markets, can save significant costs.
Learn and teach: Consult local imams and Islamic authorities to ensure your sacrifice adheres to religious admonitions.
Although rams are traditionally preferred because of their religious significance, goats are also fully acceptable and tend to be more affordable.
Whatever you choose a ram, goat, cow, or camel this Eid, ensure your sacrifice aligns with both the spiritual and practical teachings of Islam. In doing this, you’re not only honouring the legacy of Prophet Ibrahim, you’re also spreading blessings among your friends, relatives, and those in need.
As Eid al-Adha approaches, Nigerian Muslims are facing challenges due to rising inflation, misinformation, and urbanization, impacting their ability to afford the traditional animal sacrifice. The cost of sacrificial animals, like rams, has significantly increased, with prices nearly doubling from the previous year. Major livestock markets in areas such as Abuja and Kano are experiencing reduced buyer traffic due to inflation and high transportation costs from rural grazing areas.
Despite financial constraints, Islamic leaders emphasize the importance of intention behind the sacrifice over the animal's size or cost, advising that even a humble offering like a goat is religiously acceptable. Many communities are adopting cooperative buying schemes to manage expenses, pooling resources to buy animals jointly, which helps fulfill their religious duties. Planning purchases well in advance and consulting local religious authorities can also mitigate costs while ensuring adherence to religious guidelines. Ultimately, the act of sacrifice should honor Prophet Ibrahim's legacy and extend blessings to family, friends, and the needy.
