The Chief Imam of Lagos State University, Amidu Sanni, on Wednesday, admonished Nigerians to avoid greed and materialism but show love to one another during and after the Eid-el-Kabir festival.

Mr Sanni gave the admonition in his 2025 Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslims.

The cleric said the festival was about sacrifice, emphasising that avoidance of materialism and the expression of love and care would make the celebration more meaningful.

He felicitated Muslims on the occasion.

“Looking back at the genesis of the event, which was Prophet Ibrahim’s offer to sacrifice his only son in obedience to Allah and out of a strong hope for Allah’s abiding favours, the world today has almost lost the teleological message of this annual rite.

“We are once more reminded with this festival to sacrifice our greed, excessive materialism and lack of spirit of sharing and caring, which Islam established as the underlying philosophy for the festival to better humanity,” he said.

He said the significance of the festival was not measured by the size of the rams killed or the worth of the raiments worn, but by one’s piety.

“Provide for the poor and the needy, and promote social cohesion and love within your community, regardless of religious and social identities.

“Indulging in acts of disobedience, merry-making with alcoholic beverages using  Sallah meat, unholy assemblies with pomp and pageantry, are all against the spirit and message of Islam and, indeed, the festival,” the cleric said.

(NAN)