‘Tis the season for ram meat.
The Eid al-Adha (aka Sallah/Ileya) holiday is this weekend, and we have assembled a panel of Nigerian Muslims to help you plan this holiday. Some of the people we spoke to are regular outsiders, while others like to spend time locked away inside. So, however you like to celebrate, there is some inspiration for you.
These 8 Nigerians have offered their tried-and-tested tips on what to do, watch, and even reflect during this holy holiday.
“No movie during the holiday. I will be fully outside” — Taiwo, Ijebu Isiwo, Ogun.
What to Watch: Watch ke? No movie during the holiday. I will be fully outside.
What to Read: There is no time for reading and watching. It is too big to be reading.
What to Listen To: K1 De Ultimate’s full catalogue
What to Eat: Amala and ram meat. It’s the best food for the event, if you ask me. That is what we offer our guests.
What to Do: I’m going to turn into a butcher boy. We are killing rams for three days, starting with a cow on Friday.
“You should definitely read the Quran and reflect” — Monsurah, Surulere, Lagos.
What to Watch: I get that it’s the season of Eid and we’re meant to be holy and stuff, but watching Kdrama won’t be a bad idea, to be honest. You could watch Squid Game if you haven’t seen it. Season 3 is coming out soon, so it’s perfect.
What to Read: You should definitely read the Quran and reflect on the meaning and significance of Eid.
What to Listen To: Podcasts about Eid and how to navigate the new year. Omar Suleiman’s podcast should do the trick.
What to Eat: Eid is a time to be merry, and it’s for Celebration, and it’s the season of meat, so definitely meat and more meat with a sprinkle of Jollof rice and more meat 🌚.
What to Do: Go for Eid prayer, celebrate with family, invite friends over and bond/reminisce over a bowl of meat.
“A Muslim podcast on the significance of Eid won’t be bad” — Mujeeb, Surulere, Lagos.
What to Watch: There’s nothing to watch on Eid Day. Because, right from when you wake up till maybe night, it’s either you’re up to one thing or the other.
What to Read: Maybe some Quranic verses, if you really have the time.
What to Listen To: There are many parties, so most likely the music from the party or something. But a Muslim podcast on the significance of Eid won’t be bad, and it’s highly recommended.
What to Eat: Meat, Meat, and Meat.
What to Do: There will surely be things to do right from when you go for Eid till you get back. You’ll either be coordinating, attending to people, taking pictures.
“When things are quieter, I’ll switch to 38 Letters from Rockefeller to His Son” — Basit, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos.
What to Watch: I hope I will be able to go to the Cinema to watch Ori Rebirth by Muyiwa Ademola. If not, I’ll stay indoor to watch Promised Hearts on Netflix. It’s been on my watchlist for a while, and Eid feels like the perfect time to finally dive into it. I also want to complete the remaining episodes of Unseen on Netflix.
What to Read: Eid morning is a perfect time to start with something spiritual, so I intend to read the Qur’an early in the day. Later in the afternoon, when things are quieter, I’ll switch to 38 Letters from Rockefeller to His Son, a thought-provoking read about success, legacy, and values.
What to Listen To: I have downloaded some Omar Sulaiman lectures on YouTube and planned listen to few of them on that day. I also enjoy I said What I said Podcast, so I will listen to it as well.
What to Eat: Lots of Meat and Ice Cream. The well-fried meat is an integral part of the celebration. I am going to eat as much as I can, but I have to be careful not to overeat, though 😢.
What to Do: I’ll probably spend time scrolling through WhatsApp statuses and Twitter, admiring everyone’s stunning Eid outfits and family photos. It is the day people almost forget about praying Solat because of too many activities, so I will make sure not to forget to pray at the right time. It is customary for me to read books on Eid Day, even if it is just a few pages, so I will continue reading the book I am on. I will also make sure to call my family and friends to greet them for Eid.
ALSO READ: 120+ Sallah Wishes For Your Loved Ones During Eid
“I’m not a fan of reading during the festive period” — Adeyinka, Surulere, Lagos.
What to Watch: Your Friends & Neighbours is a good watch for the season. Sallah’s that one time when you’re particularly invested in what your neighbours are up to; doesn’t matter whether they’re Christian or Muslim. You just want to know where the party’s at. Well, that’s sort of the tea in the series, except it comes with a thieving neighbour. It’s available to stream on Apple TV.
What to Read: I’m not a fan of reading during festive periods. I think there are too many activities going on all around that just get you distracted. But if you must read something, I’ll suggest Michael Afenfia’s The Mechanics of Yenagoa. It’s a real page-turner that’ll crack you up in the most unexpected way.
What to Listen To: You definitely want to revisit the classics this time. The Wasiu Ayinde albums from the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Throw in some Haruna Ishola and Ayinla Omowura as well. These songs really do set the mood for a nostalgic festive season.
What to Eat: Everything but meat. Wild right? But here’s the thing: you’ll set yourself up for tooth and jaw aches if you munch on every fried meat that comes your way. The key is storing it up in your freezer and slowly eating your way through your starch. So, more turkey and fish!
What to Do: Go outside. This is the big Sallah. You’re not expected to stay indoors and sulk all day. If you’ve got Muslim neighbours or family celebrating, visit and offer some help. They’ll remember you when it’s time to distribute sallah meat.
“Beyonce. No bad music from Bea” — Mariam, Oba-Oke, Osun.
Watch To Watch: The Life List, Kim’s Convenience. They’re not new, but they’re good. Both on Netflix.
What to Read: Dream Count. It’s what I am reading at the moment.
What to Listen to: Beyonce. No bad music from Bea.
What to Eat: loaded fries from Sooya Bistro. Ate it and loved it
What to Do: Sleep. You sef don try.
“Omo, there is no reading here. Eid is not for reading” — Idris, Yaba, Lagos.
What to Watch: I’m going to the cinema to watch the latest Yoruba movie.
What to Read: Omo, there is no reading here. Eid is not for reading.
What to Listen To: If I were to be honest, there is no particular song to listen to. We are just doing DJ.
What to Eat: 12 pieces of meat per cup of rice.
What to Do: Listen to music and spend time with family. A lot of family gossip to catch up with.
“Zobo, juice or tigernut drink to pair with homemade small chops or meat pies” — Aisha, Gbagada, Lagos
What to Watch: Barakah Meets Barakah (Saudi rom-com; sweet, funny, and a light watch with a cultural touch), The Secret of the Nile (for something more dramatic and immersive, it’s Egyptian and gorgeous), Muslim YouTube vloggers who document their Eid mornings, it’s oddly comforting and nostalgic.
What to Read: Season of Crimson Blossoms by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim; intense and tender Nigerian storytelling, Letters to a Young Muslim by Omar Saif Ghobash; reflective and thoughtful, perfect for the Eid spirit, or revisit parts of the Quran or Hadith if you’re in a spiritual mode.
What to Listen To: Yusuf / Cat Stevens – “Peace Train” or Maher Zain – “Ya Nabi Salam Alayka” — feel-good Eid tunes. Afrobeats Nigerian playlists for festive vibes. Eid playlists on Spotify (there are curated mixes that mix tradition with vibe).
What to Eat: Ram Suya (always and forever). Fried rice and jollof, and of course, fried ram meat. Zobo, juice or tigernut drink to pair with homemade small chops or meat pies.
What to Do: Visit family and friends. Eid is for community, connection, and joy. Give out food or money to those in need (zakat al-fitr vibes, even after Ramadan). Dress up! Go out, take nice photos, post a little, joy is meant to be shared. Eid is a reward after a long period of reflection and self-restraint, so I always feel it should be soft, joyful, communal, and filled with love. Whether people are spending it with family, alone, or abroad, it’s a chance to reconnect with joy in a very intentional way.
