Eid Al- Adha

This weekend, we are enjoying a four day weekend for the Muslim holiday of Eid Al- Adha (or Eid Al-Kabir).  This very important Muslim holiday which occurs on the last day of the annual Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) which for most Muslims around the world happens once in a lifetime.  For more information on this Muslim holiday please click here.  Living here in Nigeria has given me the opportunity to really learn about various Muslim traditions ( but I am in NO way an expert!).  Since Nigeria is primarily made up of Muslims and Christians, Muslim holidays are also declared public holidays here.

two Muslim men out on Eid al-Adha

This past week, I could look from the balcony of our flat over the football (soccer) field of Jeremy's school and saw something new.  With the lens of my camera I was able to get a closer look...

and this is what I saw...

There were dozens of goats being kept in a field nearby the school.  I found Eid al-Adha is a holiday in which typically a goat is slaughtered ( after much bartering has taken place!).  This feast is to commemorate when Abraham almost sacrificed his son for God (Allah to Muslims).  Please click the link mentioned in the first paragraph to get a better explanation.

Here in Lagos, things have been pretty quiet. However, in the northern part of the country, things have been pretty violent this weekend during this Muslim celebration.  There was a bombing in a town named Damaturu.  Click here and here for articles about the bombing attacks.  I think it is such a shame that a small group of people can make everything sound so bad in Nigeria.  For all my family and friends who have expressed concern over these past few days, please don't worry about us.  We are doing just fine.  Things have been very quiet in Lagos.:)  Actually, we are taking advantage of this long holiday weekend and going out to the beach tomorrow.:)  Pictures of that to come soon!  Happy Eid al-Adha to Muslims all over the world!:)