Hey there,

Happy weekend and Eid Mubarak.

Yesterday, regardless of where you lived, you probably saw men, women and children in kaftans and vibrant agbadas, making their way to and from nearby mosques.

You probably wished them a Happy Sallah.

If you are unfamiliar with the details, what you witnessed was the celebration of Eid al-Adha—the Festival of Sacrifice, one of Islam's most sacred observances.

Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice commemorates Prophet Abraham’s obedience to God’s command given to him in a dream vision to sacrifice his son, Ishmael. The Prophet, having no children, prayed to God for the gift of a son and God blessed him with a son, Ishmael.

In a dream, he saw himself sacrificing Ishmael. He proceeded to obey, but while he was in the act of sacrificing his son, God sent the Angel Gabriel with a huge ram. Angel Gabriel appeared to Abraham and informed him that his dream vision was fulfilled, and instructed him to sacrifice the ram as a substitute for his son.

It is this act of obedience by the Prophet Ibrahim that Muslims all over the world commemorated yesterday.

In Nigeria, typically, the celebration begins before dawn with special prayers at designated grounds. After the central ritual, the Qurbani sacrifice of rams, goats, or cattle, with the meat divided into three generous portions: one for family, one for relatives and friends, and one for those in need.

In the north, families prepare Tuwo Shinkafa; in the southwest, it's Amala and Ewedu; elsewhere, Jollof rice takes centre stage. Children are given 'Eidi' gifts, families embark on extensive home visits, and even non-Muslim neighbours often join the festivities.

Nigeria is a society that allows people to practise their faith freely. Here, all forms of faith find public expression. Eid commands respect, space and time. But what happens when that freedom travels? When Nigerian Muslims find themselves in places where Eid is just another Tuesday?

We spoke with three Nigerian Muslims living abroad and asked them how they celebrated Eid far from home and how this contrasts with what they knew back home. They shared stories that reveal the beautiful ways that home, somehow, always finds a way to travel with us.

We invite you to read their stories.

The SimplVest Team.

How Nigerian Muslims Abroad Celebrate Eid

Yesterday, millions of Muslims all over the world celebrated Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice commemorating Prophet Abraham’s obedience to God’s command given to him in a dream vision to sacrifice his son, Ishmael.

We spoke to three Nigerian Muslims living abroad and asked them how their celebration of Eid abroad compared to what it was back home in Nigeria.

They obliged us with poignant answers. They all pointed out the huge difference between the bustling celebrations in Nigeria and the cold and subdued experienced of Eid abroad. Each of them told us they had to adapt.

👉 Full Story here: How Nigerian Muslims Abroad Celebrate Eid

Till Wendesday,

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