COVID 19: Sallah Festival In the Season of New Normal

COVID 19: Sallah Festival In the Season of New Normal

By Kamoru Sodiq

kamorusodiq03@gmail.com

In the annals of history, pandemic is just normal. Different ages and nations have tasted one outbreak of disease or the other from the time of Noah to Pharoah to biblical era, medieval period and post World War 1. Spanish flu of 1918 -1920 was the last time the whole world experienced an epidemic. So we were told.

I doubt anyone who was active then can still be active today. So, we are all in this as a novice. During emergency, the weak in the society are always the prime victims because their vulnerability will be ugly exposed. The poor side of our fellow countrymen are in the public now. Citizens across board need Palliatives and supports now than ever.

The World Health Organization (WHO) which is the umbrella of United Nations (UN) to maintain global health had wasted no time in declaring COVID 19 as a global pandemic. Relevant stakeholders in different countries have launched responses by issuing advisories and other health safety protocols to slow down and perhaps prevent the spread of Corona virus. The world is flailing. The economy is bleeding. But then, the worst is not yet over.

In Nigeria, the first case of COVID 19 was recorded on 27 February, 2020, when an Italian citizen tested positive to the virus in Lagos. On March 9, 2020, a Nigerian who had contact with the Italian tested positive in Ewekoro, Ogun State. This is the beginning of whirlwind imported from the Chinese city of Wuhan into our dear country. Today, confirmed cases stand at forty thousand and we are still counting.

Well, there are arguments back and forth on the remote cause of Corona virus.  It is a biological weapon. It's an act of God and the likes. Everyone is not without a claim. The fact is that the modern world is on trial. Where do we go from here? It is by going digital. Some smart guys have moved completely online. Trading, classes, meeting, sermon are being conducted on zoom, mixlr, Facebook and others. In fact, we may start to operate patient virtually these days! Hadn't it been some genius have reasoned ahead of time, what would have been the fate of the world today?

By nature, man is a social animal. He loves to walk around. He needs freedom at all time. Anything that is done for free always attracts crowd. It is innate. Within a twinkle of an eye, COVID 19 came down with tall order. We have all settled by fire by force for total lockdown, social distance, face mask, sanitizer etc. It is clear COVID 19 is on a mission to reset the whole world.

In Africa, religion is as sensitive as life. Education is very important as money. That is why the most profitable business in Nigeria is to establish a school. The two institutions are now under emergency rules. Schools are on eternal break. Academic Staff  Union of University (ASUU) is already calling for cancellation of a whole academic year. Religion centers, fun houses were told to wait till further notice.

Make no mistake, nobody is left out. Government is busy revising and reversing plans. The American Donald Trump who once ostensibly refused to wear face mask in public has now come out to say wearing face mask is "patriotic." Last two weeks, South African President, Ramaphosa placed a ban on alcohol. Does this mean the world is going Islamic? No! It only suggests we are migrating to the new normal.

From all indications, the global outlook will not support celebrating this year Sallah Festival with glitz and glamour as usual. Anyway, the Hajj has suffered the same fate. However, the etymology of the festival is traced to the proverbial act of prophet of Ibrahim and his son (prophet Ismail). Prophet Ibrahim kept to his promise. Prophet Ismail showed uncommon understanding. They both  submitted to Allah and forever remain the men of history.

Since then, Eid kabir has been celebrated every 10th, 11th and 12th days in the 12month (Dhul-hijjah) of the lunar calendar. It is one of the biggest event in Islam. Faithfuls go all out in style to jollificate, worship and offer thanksgiving to Allah for the gift of opportunity. There are quite fantabulous packages attached to Sallah. It includes; blessings of the first ten days, the Big Hajj, the holy day of Arafat, Sallah meat, gift sharing, Eid greetings and more others.

On several fora, health professionals have been defending the fact that COVID 19 enjoys large gathering. They say, the more the crowd, the more the spread. Media jingles are flying all over to drive home the same point. How then will this Eid kabir going to be celebrated now? It is simple. We must take personal responsibility.

How exactly do I mean? You need to stay safe unless it is necessary to go out. We are advised to observe Sallah prayer at home not the customary praying ground. No Eid party. No get-together. No Ojude-Oba! You disagreed? Well, it's absolutely your choice. We are to explore alternative options of social media, phone calls, SMS to advance Eid greetings. Eat moderately. Drink responsibly. It is the living that celebrates.

In any case, it will not be wise to throw caution on the wind during this COVID 19 pandemic on the altar of celebrating Eid. Doubting minds should be generous enough to give benefit of doubt. It is better to be safe than be saved. Eid is an annual event. This year is indeed special. The ravaging pandemic has harvested some precious souls in cold blood world-wide.

Whether COVID 19 exist or not in your own judgement, It is instructive to know that life is very short. We must not act as if there is no tomorrow. Change is constant. COVID 19 is here. The world is adjusting. It is the dawn of new normal. But we must survive today for us to live another day.

Happy Sallah celebration in advance brethren. May we live to see many more on earth. Barkah de Sallah! Cheers!