Muslims across Kano State on Wednesday celebrated the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir peacefully, with the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, expressing optimism that Nigeria’s challenges are surmountable.
Islamic clerics and traditional leaders in Kano urged the faithful to embrace unity, sacrifice and support for the less privileged.
These came up when thousands of worshippers converged on various Eid prayer grounds across the state to observe the two-rakat congregational prayer, a mark of one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar.
At the historic Kofar Mata Eid Ground, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, led the Eid prayers attended by Governor Abba Yusuf, Deputy Governor Murtala Garo, top government officials, political associates and other dignitaries.
Delivering his sermon after the prayers, Emir Sanusi urged Muslims to uphold the true values of Eid-el-Kabir as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad, stressing that the festival symbolises faith, obedience, sacrifice, forgiveness and compassion.
“The essence of Eid-el-Kabir lies in faith, obedience, sacrifice, forgiveness and compassion for one another,” the Emir said.
The Emir, who said Nigeria’s challenges are surmountable, called on wealthy individuals to assist the less privileged so they can partake in the joy of the celebration, while also praying for peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria.
The Emir further cautioned Muslims against using sick or physically deformed animals for sacrifice, describing the practice as contrary to Islamic teachings.
According to him, Islam clearly stipulates the category of animals acceptable for sacrifice, noting that animals with visible defects such as blindness, crippling conditions or illnesses should not be used.
“The slaughtering of animals is for spiritual reward and not for showing off or impressing people. It should be done solely for the sake of Allah,” he said.
Sanusi explained that the tradition of sacrifice traces its roots to the Prophets Ibrahim and Muhammad and must be carried out in accordance with prescribed religious guidelines.
He also clarified that the obligation of sacrifice is not limited to men alone, noting that financially capable married women and unmarried youths can equally perform the act.
